Del Monte has succeeded in lowering a price-fixing fine from the European Commission. The Commission set the fruit producer a fine of €14.7 million in 2008 as it alleged the company, along with Dole and Chiquita, shared price information about eight EU markets between 2000 and 2002.
The EU General Court ruled that Del Monte's fine be cut to €8.82 million due to mitigating circumstances and the company's co-operation with regulators. Dole Food Co., however, had its €45.6 million fine upheld. Dole's president C. Michael Carter commented, "We strongly believe that the European competition laws were not violated and we will appeal this decision to the EU Court of Justice.
Chiquita was given immunity from fines as the company worked with the Commission, providing information that allowed the investigation to be opened. (15 March)
© 2013 - ESM: European Supermarket Magazine by Kevin Kelly
