On April 15, 2025, the Hungarian Competition Authority (GVH) conducted unannounced inspections at the headquarters of Spar and Auchan as part of an ongoing investigation initiated in 2023 against Maspex Olympos Kft., a significant beverage manufacturer in Hungary.

The investigation centers around allegations that Maspex imposed fixed and minimum resale prices on its partners, which could restrict market competition. The GVH had previously identified Maspex during a sector inquiry into beverage procurement practices in the hospitality sector.

In addition to Maspex, several other retail chains in Hungary, including Aldi, CBA, Coop, and Tesco, are also implicated in the investigation. The GVH found sufficient evidence to extend the inquiry to Spar and Auchan based on the information gathered.

The inspections were conducted with prior judicial authorization to secure necessary data and evidence. It is important to note that the initiation of the investigation does not imply that the involved companies have committed any legal violations; it is aimed at clarifying facts and proving the alleged infringement.

The GVH is closely monitoring developments in the retail and food markets, having recently launched expedited sector inquiries into the domestic markets for dairy products and eggs due to observed price fluctuations and increases. The authority is also investigating potential unfair trading practices in the whole grain products market.