site.btaCompetition Watchdog Presents Interim Sectoral Analysis on Food Trade to Parliamentary Subcommittee

The Commission for Protection of Competition (CPC) presented an interim sectoral analysis on the state of competition in the modern retail trade in agricultural and fast-moving consumer good on Wednesday. CPC Chairman Rosen Karadimov talked at a meeting of Parliament's Standing Subcommittee for Monitoring Consumer Protection and Limiting Monopolies.

Karadimov noted that the sectoral analysis procedure was initiated by the CPC in June 2025, less than a month after the new commission took office, and that the interim report was adopted in December. In under six months a thorough study of the sector was conducted, demonstrating the potential of sectoral analysis as a tool of significant public and economic relevance.

The analysis covers market structure, entry barriers, the degree of concentration, sector dynamics, the regulatory framework and self-regulation. The sectoral analysis provides a basis both for drawing conclusions about the state of the competitive environment and for initiating specific proceedings where there is evidence of anti-competitive practices. In this context, Karadimov reported that the commission has already decided to launch its first proceeding based on results of the analysis.

According to him, the food sector has been designated a priority due to its high public and social significance, as well as indications of structural changes affecting competition and consumer welfare. He noted that the CPC is already investigating suspected tender manipulations in public procurement for hospital food supply.

Karadimov highlighted the transparent approach taken in preparing the analysis, including the establishment of a Public Council with the CPC with the participation of employers' organizations, trade unions and consumer associations. Expert meetings and consultations with industry groups were conducted, alongside extensive data collection from nearly 50 retail chains and independent retailers managing around 500 outlets nationwide, with the support of various state institutions.

He said trust in the Commission for Protection of Competition is growing, with 20 reports of suspected tender manipulations filed during its current term. All reports are actively investigated, and the commission is expected to announce the opening of proceedings within 10-15 days.

He noted that the CPC is the only authority in the European Competition Network that also examines public procurement, having handled around 1,400 complaints during its current term. This work has been carried out with 110 employees and a budget of BGN 7,727,000. He said sectoral analyses are proving a key tool for prevention and improving the competitive environment, despite limited resources.