The Italian competition authority AGCM has ended proceedings against several glass manufacturers, including Verallia Italia, which have been ongoing since 2023, without taking any further action. The investigation was prompted by price increases for wine bottles since 2022 and the authority found no violation of competition law.
The French glass packaging manufacturer Verallia has announced that the Italian competition authority AGCM has concluded its investigation into price developments in the wine bottle sector and closed it without sanctions. The proceedings concerned price adjustments since 2022 that affected several market participants, including Verallia Italia. According to the authority, there were no indications of concerted behaviour or agreements in breach of antitrust law.
Price adjustments explained by rising costs and demand
According to AGCM, the price increases in 2022 were due to an exceptional market environment. In particular, a sharp rise in energy and raw material costs as well as high demand in the market for wine bottles had influenced the price trend. A coordinated approach between the glass manufacturers involved could not be identified.
In this context, Verallia explained that the company continues to pursue an independent pricing policy. This is orientated towards quality requirements, security of supply and long-term value creation for customers. The company sees the authority's decision as confirmation of its own compliance with competition law.
Significance for the glass packaging market
The decision by the Italian competition authority has a signalling effect for the European glass packaging market. In recent years, manufacturers of energy-intensive packaging materials in particular have been under pressure to pass on increased production costs. The investigation that has now been completed categorises these developments as market-based and creates legal clarity for suppliers and buyers in the wine and beverage segment.
Verallia claims to be the European market leader and the world's third largest manufacturer of glass packaging for food and beverages. The company operates 35 production sites in twelve countries and most recently employed around 11,000 people.
Source: Verallia
