The Competition Board has launched an investigation into 7 companies operating in the field of hazelnut purchase and sale. The investigation was initiated based on suspicions that the companies may have violated market competition by collectively determining hazelnut purchase prices and procurement policies.
According to the announcement by the Competition Authority, the preliminary investigation has been completed, and it has been decided to move the file to the investigation stage following the findings. During this process, it will be evaluated whether the Law No. 4054 on the Protection of Competition has been violated.
COMPANIES UNDER INVESTIGATION
Among the companies the Board has launched an investigation into is Ferrero Fındık İthalat İhracat ve Ticaret AŞ. The other companies included in the investigation were announced as Atalay Fındık Sanayi ve Ticaret Ltd. Şti., Balsu Gıda Sanayi ve Ticaret AŞ, Karaçuha Tarım Ürünleri İthalat İhracat Sanayi ve Ticaret Ltd. Şti., Ofi Tarım Sanayi ve Ticaret AŞ, Özyılmaz Fındık Sanayi ve Ticaret AŞ, and Şenocak Gıda Fındık Entegre Turizm Nakliyat İnşaat Sanayi Ticaret Ltd. Şti.
The investigation will not be limited solely to allegations regarding price formation. It will also be examined whether Ferrero has complied with the commitments that became binding with the Competition Board's decision dated March 7, 2024.
The commitments in question cover the years 2024, 2025, and 2026. Within this scope, the company is required not to purchase hazelnuts in shell below the reference price of the Turkish Grain Board (TMO), not to exceed the purchase limit of 100 thousand tons in each season, and to purchase at least 45 thousand tons of hazelnuts in shell during the September-December period.
News Source: 12punto
