The Croatian competition authority, known as AZTN, has initiated an administrative procedure against the retail buyer AGRO NERETVA d.o.o. This action aims to determine whether the company has abused its significant negotiating power by imposing unfair trading practices on its mandarin suppliers.

This procedure was started ex officio as part of AZTN's compliance checks regarding the Law on Prohibition of Unfair Trading Practices in the Food Supply Chain (ZNTP). During this investigation, indications were found suggesting that AGRO NERETVA d.o.o. may have acted contrary to the provisions of the ZNTP.

It is important to note that the initiation of this administrative procedure does not automatically imply a violation of the ZNTP. AZTN is required to establish all relevant facts and circumstances, as well as concrete evidence that supports the indications that led to the initiation of the procedure.

In this administrative procedure, AZTN will examine all elements related to the content and realization of the business relationships between AGRO NERETVA d.o.o. and its mandarin suppliers. A substantive decision will be made only after a complete factual assessment.

Due to the protection of business secrets, AZTN cannot comment on or disclose details about the ongoing procedure. Once the procedure is concluded, AZTN will publish its substantive decision on its website.