Answer given by Ms Vestager on behalf of the Commission

9.2.2015

It appears from the press release issued in November that Carrefour and France's federation of vegetable producers announced a new partnership agreement to offer only ‘France Origin’ seasonable vegetables in Carrefour's 1 200 retail stores in France.

It is a priority of the Commission to protect the internal market and avoid restrictions of competition to the detriment of the consumer. It appears from the announcement in question that imported products will not be sold in Carrefour's shops in France. In order to investigate whether the situation, and in particular this partnership, entails a breach of competition rules a number of facts would need to be ascertained.

The Commission is currently looking into these issues and liaising with the French competition authority. The Commission will keep the Honourable Member informed when it is in a better position to give a more thorough analysis.