The Polish competition authority, UOKiK, has imposed fines totaling over 1.5 million PLN on five companies and one individual involved in a price-fixing conspiracy affecting fruit purchases in the Greater Poland region. This illegal agreement lasted for three harvest seasons from 2022 to 2024, resulting in farmers receiving significantly lower prices for their produce.

UOKiK President Tomasz Chróstny stated that the conspiracy involved regular communication among the fruit purchasing points, where they coordinated prices to keep them artificially low. Evidence from communication platforms revealed discussions among the companies about pricing strategies, confirming the intent to avoid price competition.

The fines were distributed among the companies as follows: Damex received 452,000 PLN, Kam-Pol 391,000 PLN, Fructis 299,000 PLN, Kalbrok 265,000 PLN, Silver-Trans 59,000 PLN, and individual Andrzej Sarnowski 110,000 PLN. The decision is not yet final, as there is an option to appeal to the court.

UOKiK emphasizes its commitment to protecting Polish farmers and will continue to monitor the market during the upcoming harvest season. Ongoing investigations are also looking into three major processors and other purchasing entities to determine if further price-fixing occurred.

UOKiK has clarified the difference between illegal price-fixing and legal price mimicry, stating that simply observing and adjusting to competitors' prices does not constitute a violation of competition law. Additionally, individuals harmed by such violations can seek damages through civil lawsuits.

The authority has a leniency program that allows companies involved in illegal agreements to reduce or avoid fines by cooperating with investigations. UOKiK also encourages whistleblowers to report anti-competitive practices anonymously through their platform.