Competition Division lawyer Kristin Truus stated that, as their focus topic for 2025, the Competition Authority began examining the contractual terms between retail enterprises and agricultural and food producers, analysing approximately 140 contracts in the first half of the year. ‘The Competition Authority’s earlier survey had shown that over the past year, most food suppliers have encountered unfair trading practices by buyers, despite the fact that such practices are prohibited by law’, said Truus.
According to Truus, for example, 60% of food suppliers have experienced unilateral changes to contractual terms. ‘A total of 48% have experienced late payments and order cancellations with short notice periods, and in 47% of cases, buyers have demanded fees unrelated to sales from sellers, while 43% of suppliers have also encountered commercial threats’, said Truus.
Nearly 76% of survey respondents indicated that most problems with unfair trading practices occur with buyers from retail chains. As a result of the analysis of contractual terms, the Authority initiated supervisory proceedings against six retail enterprises (Coop Eesti Keskühistu, Selver AS, AS Prisma Peremarket, Rimi Eesti Food AS, Maxima Eesti OÜ, AS OG Elektra). The Competition Authority emphasises that the initiation of proceedings does not mean that a violation has been committed or established. All parties subject to proceedings will be given the opportunity to present their views on the matter.
The Authority conducted an anonymous survey among agricultural and food product suppliers in March and April 2025. The purpose of the study was to better understand the extent to which producers and suppliers encounter unfair trading practices by various buyers. A summary of the survey has been published on the Competition Authority's website.
The Competition Authority can be notified of unfair trading practices anonymously through the tips portal or by email at [email protected].
The Competition Authority exercises regulatory supervision over competition, electricity, natural gas, district heating, postal services, public water supply and sewerage systems, railway, aviation, and ports, and prevents unfair trading practices in the agricultural products and food supply chain. The Authority operates under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Justice and Digital Affairs.