An investigation into suspected cartel activity on the Hungarian watermelon market has been dropped because it was no longer clear whether it was in the public interest to pursue it, competition authority GVH said last Friday.
Under government pressure, the Hungarian Melon Association, the Hungarian Fruit and Vegetable Organisation and retail chains Aldi, Auchan, CBA, Lidl, Spar and Tesco agreed not to undercut Hungarian producers with cheaper imports.
Under laws passed in August, the GVH must consult the Rural Development Ministry over cartel-related inquiries involving agricultural products. The GVH complained that there is now legal uncertainty over what constitutes anti-trust activity in the fruit and veg sector.
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