On 19 November 2021, the European Commission issued a press release stating that it had fined Conserve Italia Soc. coop. agricola and its subsidiary Conserves France S.A. (together ‘Conserve Italia’) a total of €20 million for participating in a cartel for the supply of certain types of canned vegetables to retailers and/or food service companies in the EEA.[1] Other cartel members, including Bonduelle, Coroos and Groupe CECAB, settled the case with the Commission back in 2019. As Conserve Italia was the only producer who chose not to settle, the Commission’s investigation against Conserve Italia continued. The cartel lasted for 13 years, with Conserve Italia participating from 15 March 2000 to 1 October 2013. The infringement covered the entire EEA.

[1]Press release European Commission 19 November 2021 ‘Antitrust: commission fines Conserve Italia €20 million for participating in canned vegetables cartel.’