The Croatian competition authority (AZTN) has initiated an administrative procedure against Lidl Croatia d.o.o. in Velika Gorica. This action aims to determine whether Lidl has abused its significant negotiating power by imposing unfair trading practices on its suppliers of agricultural and food products.

The proceedings were prompted by an anonymous complaint received by AZTN, which assessed that there were grounds to initiate the procedure ex officio. The authority has indications that Lidl may have acted contrary to the provisions of the Law on Prohibition of Unfair Trading Practices in the Food Supply Chain (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.

Consequently, AZTN will investigate the validity of the claims made in the complaint and all elements related to Lidl's conduct that could potentially represent unfair trading practices under the ZNTP. A substantive decision will be made only after a complete factual determination.

Due to the protection of business secrets, AZTN cannot comment or disclose details about the ongoing procedure.