GVH would help the operators of the hospitality industry by making it easier

By: Trademagazin Date: 2023. 02. 13. 10:43

The Economic Competition Authority (GVH) has concluded its sectoral investigation launched to analyze beverage purchases by catering establishments. The national competition authority made use of several proposals for the actors of the sector, as well as proposed legislative relief for businesses in difficult situations. The participants of the affected market have 30 days to comment on the draft report of the investigation.

The national competition authority has concluded its sectoral investigation, which analyzed the beverage procurement system of domestic restaurants, pubs and other catering industry units – i.e. the HORECA sector. At all levels of the value chain, GVH explored in detail the business practices, market conditions and sector specificities related to beverage purchases, as well as consumer preferences and the sector experiences of other EU member states.

According to what was revealed in the investigation, low consumer prices can result from the widespread market practice – according to which large beverage distributors provide subsidies (equipment, equipment and financial discounts) to catering establishments that contract with them. At the same time, in order to realize consumer benefits, it is necessary that the obligations imposed in exchange for discounts do not hinder market competition. The authority helps in reporting the ideal balanced situation between the parties with suggestions.