Tough price war between Edeka and Coca-Cola: the court sentenced the effervescent manufacturer to deliver

Created: 09/09/2022, 15:49

By: Patricia Huber

The price dispute between Edeka and Coca-Cola escalates.

Now the matter has even landed before the Kadi.

Now the district court of Hamburg has decided - to the displeasure of Coca-Cola.

Hamburg/Berlin – The supermarket chain Edeka has again fought a tough price war in recent weeks.

This time Edeka could not agree with the beverage giant Coca Cola.

This emerged from an internal Edeka letter, in which the supermarket "unilaterally announced a price increase demand from Coca-Cola, the amount of which lacks any factual basis".

The result of this dispute was even a temporary delivery stop by the beverage manufacturer.

Coca-Cola has to deliver to Edeka at the old prices

Now the dispute even went to court, as reported by the

.

Because the dealer has sued Coca-Cola before the district court of Hamburg - with success (AZ 415 HKO 72/22).

Accordingly, Coca-Cola must continue to supply the Edeka branches at the old prices.

So the popular soft drinks are available until at least the end of September at the prices that were contractually agreed at the beginning of 2022.

As a basis for the decision, Edeka states that the delivery stop is a “unilateral breach of contract”.

This is "banned under antitrust law" for "market-dominant companies" such as Coca-Cola.

"Pleasing signal": Edeka celebrates victory against Coca-Cola

"This decision is a positive signal for consumers in Germany," said Edeka on Friday.

It sets limits to the "price gouging" of some brand-name companies that want to maximize their profits with unjustified demands for price increases.

"Especially in times of rising inflation, it is an important concern of Edeka to relieve private households," it said.

Therefore, Edeka has been in “tough negotiations” with the branded goods industry for months.

Edeka demanded that unavoidable price increases should not only be imposed on consumers, but should be distributed throughout the value chain.

The Edeka association invests to a considerable extent in order to keep sales prices as stable as possible, "also at the expense of its own margin".

Coca-Cola and Edeka are ready to negotiate

On request, Coca-Cola Germany stated that the court made the decision without a hearing, "so that our arguments could not be incorporated".

Accordingly, an objection has been filed.

The company stressed that the early-announced price increase is well below current food inflation and also below the pricing trends of many private label brands.

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Both companies signaled their willingness to talk on Friday: "Of course, we continue to strive to reach an agreement in the interests of our customers," said Edeka.

"We hope that the talks will progress quickly and constructively and that Edeka will be willing to negotiate," said Coca-Cola.