Sugar Cartel
Allegations:
The German FCO (BKartA) has found, that various sugar manufacturers have agreed to fix sales areas, quotas and prices over a long period of time (from the 1990ies until at least 2009). The FCO has imposed fines in the amount of 280 Mio. €.
Concerned companies:
Nordzucker AG acted as the whistleblower. Südzucker AG has paid a fine in the amount of 195,5 million € and Pfeifen & Langen GmbH & Co. KG 85,5 million €.
Potential victims:
Apart from the food retailers also big sugar processing companies such as the beverage industry as well as sweets and chocolate producers may claim damages.
It doesn’t help to have the law on your side. One must also reckon with the judiciary.
Dieter Hildebrand