site.btaRetail Chains Probed for Alleged Unfair Commercial Practices against Farm Producers, Suppliers

Bulgaria's Commission on Protection of Competition is launching a preliminary enquiry into pressure allegedly exerted on fruit and vegetable producers and suppliers by retail chains to lower purchase prices in connection with the Government's Care Basket Initiative, the Commission said in a press release on Friday.

In a preliminary analysis, the Commission found that the products specified in producers' allegations submitted to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food are not included in the campaign. At this point, no information is available to link the allegations to the initiative.

Based on information received, the anti-trust watchdog is launching a preliminary enquiry into another two retail chains regarding possible unfair commercial practices against fruit and vegetable producers and suppliers. 

The Commission recalled that in late May 2026 it initiated two proceedings against the Kaufland and T-Market retail chains to identify possible unfair commercial practices against suppliers and producers. The proceedings were based on a food market sector analysis and a Commission's enquiry regarding the pricing policy, rebates, mark-ups and terms of business between retailers and suppliers/producers. The intermediate results of the sector analysis showed significant distortions down the supply chain and clues on practices that can place producers and suppliers at a significant disadvantage when agreeing on terms with major retailors. 

The Commission said further that if there is reason to believe that violations have been committed, it will launch new proceedings within its powers.

On Thursday, Agriculture and Food Minister Plamen Abrovski said, quoted by his Ministry, that the State will protect agricultural producers whenever they complain about pressure and unfair practices impeding their activity.