On December 16, 2024, the Slovenian Competition Agency (Agencija) launched an investigation against Lidl Slovenia d.o.o. for alleged violations of Articles 61.f and 61.g of the Agricultural Act (ZKme-1).

The agency has indicated that Lidl may have exploited at least one agricultural and food supplier due to its significant market power, as evidenced by its annual turnover. This exploitation allegedly occurred when the value of contracts between Lidl and the supplier exceeded €15,000 in 2023, yet Lidl continued to operate without all mandatory contract components for the supply of perishable agricultural and food products, specifically apples, as required by Article 61.g of ZKme-1.

The agency has called upon all individuals to submit any relevant information that could assist in the decision-making process. If any submitted data is confidential under the provisions of the law, it must be marked as such and sent separately in a sealed envelope.

Furthermore, the agency is obligated to protect the identity of whistleblowers or sources of information, ensuring confidentiality if disclosure could cause significant harm. The initiation of proceedings against Lidl does not prejudge the outcome of the investigation.