EU launches 'unannounced inspections' in chocolate sector over antitrust concerns

The European Commission said Monday it carried out unannounced inspections at the premises of a company active in the chocolate confectionery sector in two EU member states, as part of an ongoing antitrust investigation.

In a statement, the commission said it has concerns the company may have breached EU competition rules prohibiting cartels, restrictive business practices, and abuse of a dominant market position.

The probe focuses on possible market segmentation practices, including restrictions on cross-border trade within the EU single market and obstacles to multi-country purchasing, according to the commission.

It emphasized that unannounced inspections are a preliminary step in antitrust inquiries and do not imply the company is guilty of wrongdoing, nor do they predetermine the outcome of the investigation.

The commission also noted there is no legal deadline for completing antitrust investigations, with the duration depending on factors such as case complexity, cooperation by the companies involved, and the exercise of defense rights.