Anfaco is suspected of imposing 'certain purchase conditions' on the Galician mussel producers. (Photo: FIS)

Initiation of the sanctioning proceedings against Anfaco

SPAIN
Friday, May 27, 2011, 03:30 (GMT + 9)

The Research Department of the National Competitiveness Commission (CNC) has initiated sanctioning proceedings against the National Association of Canned Seafood Manufacturers of Spain (Anfaco) for a suspected anticompetitive conduct.

According to the Commission, Anfaco incurred in a coordination strategy to impose “certain purchase conditions” on the Galician mussel producers.

CNC made it clear that the initiation of this proceeding does not prejudge the final outcome of the investigation.

"A maximum period of 18 months for the investigation of the case and its resolution is initiated" as it was informed through a press release.

Recently, the Commission imposed fines on several organizations of mussel producers in Galicia for setting selling prices, distributing the production and establishing common business conditions.

The 15 companies sanctioned have to pay about EUR 1.8 million altogether.

After inspections in the organizations and in the Mussel Control Board in Galicia in 2009, the CNC Council urged the Investigation Department to initiate sanctioning proceedings against the companies evaluated.

For the Commission, at least since 1997 negotiations have been certified to coordinate the mussel sale conditions.

The Control Board maintains that the penalty imposed for EUR 1.8 million to various organizations of mussel producers is "disproportionate and unfair."

"It is an attack on the entire sector, which generates mistrust and will hamper new future attempts of coordination and organization among all the participants in the mussel sector," said Francisco Alcalde, President of the Council.

Related articles:

- Unfair sanction for mussel producers, states Control Board
- Mussel producer organisations fined with 1.8 million

By Analia Murias
[email protected]
www.seafood.media

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