Kost & Näring pauses industry agreement amid cartel suspicions

The industry organization Kost & Näring has decided to pause its industry agreement and dialogue with wholesalers and food producers following an investigation by the Swedish Competition Authority (Konkurrensverket).

The investigation follows raids conducted in June against leading food wholesalers Menigo and Martin & Servera, who are suspected of engaging in anti-competitive cooperation. The Swedish Competition Authority is looking into allegations from 16 municipalities suggesting that the wholesalers coordinated to dictate terms in public procurement processes over several years.

Municipalities have reported feeling pressured to follow the industry agreement, which Kost & Näring previously maintained was voluntary. Elin Rigo, chairperson of Kost & Näring, stated that the decision to pause comes amid growing internal discussions and uncertainty among industry actors regarding the agreement's future while the investigation is ongoing.