ECN report explains competition in food sector and finds areas for reform

The European Competition Network (ECN) has published a report on competition enforcement efforts in the EU food sector. The ECN is comprised of the European Commission and the Member states’ national competition authorities. The report explains competition in the food sector and identifies potential areas for reform, such as the fragmented structure of farmers or unnecessary intermediaries in the supply chain. The report also highlights how competition authorities have made the food sector a top subject of investigation: more than 180 cases and 1,300 mergers have been examined in the EU. Most of the offenses are horizontal agreements. Other violations include vertical restrictions and abuses of dominance.

The ECN has published its report as a response to requests made by European Parliament Members for more information on competition enforcement actions in the food sector.

Full content: EC Press Release

Related content: A First Principles Approach to Antitrust Enforcement in the Agricultural Industry (Geoffrey Manne, International Center for Law and Economics, Lewis & Clark Law School & Joshua Wright, George Mason University School of Law)

Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.