South African margarine producers investigated for price-fixing
The Competition Commission has completed search and seizure operations on five of South Africa’s largest margarine, refined edible oils, and baking fats producers.
The Commission alleges it has reasonable grounds to suspect that the following companies have engaged in cartel conduct, which includes price-fixing in the market for the manufacture and distribution of refined edible oils including baking fats and margarine:
- Wilmar Continental Edible Oils and Fats (Pty) Ltd;
- DH Brothers Industries (Pty) Ltd;
- Willowton Oil and Cake Mills;
- FR Waring Holdings (Pty) Ltd;
- Africa Sun Oil Refineries (Pty) Ltd; and
- Epic Foods (Pty) Ltd.
“The search and seizure operation is conducted as part of an ongoing investigation which was initiated by the Commissioner.
“During the search the Commission will seize documents‚ records and electronic data which will be analysed‚ together with other information gathered‚ to determine whether these companies have contravened the Competition Act‚” the commission said in a statement.
The cartel is expected to have been operating for nearly 10 years with ties dating back to before 2007.
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