Packaging and manufacturing companies have responded to Italy’s competition authority, Autorita’ Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato (AGCM)’s investigation into wine bottle production in the country.
The companies have allegedly used anticompetitive conduct in the production and commercialisation of glass wine bottles manufactured starting from 2022.
Zignago Vetro’s response
Zignago Vetro maintains that the company “has always operated in full compliance with the rules and regulations governing competition law.
“We are therefore confident that the investigation that has been launched, in terms of which we are actively collaborating with the AGCM, will prove the complete correctness of Zignago Vetro’s conduct.”
The company adds that its conduct has been “shaped by the very significant and across-the-board increases in the costs of all production factors – particularly of energy and raw materials.”
Berlin Packaging’s response
Berlin Packaging told Packaging Gateway directly that “Berlin Packaging Italy complies with all applicable laws, did not engage in any wrongdoing and is fully cooperating with the Competition Authority.”
As the investigation is pending, Berlin Packaging Italy is providing no further comment at this time.
Vetropack’s response
Austria-based Vetropack has released a press statement announcing that its Italy subsidiary cooperated with the Authority and gave access to the documentation asked for.
The company adds that in “denying any unfair behaviour” Vetropack Italy Srl will “firmly defend itself in the forthcoming steps of the procedure”. This is likely to last several months before the authority issues its report based on its findings.
Verallia’s response
France-based Verallia’s Italian subsidiary Verallia Italia Spa states that on 8 November, authority officials carried out inspections at the main offices of the companies, as well as the national trade association Assovetro.
The Group denies any inappropriate behaviour and intends to clarify the legitimacy of its position in relation to this investigation, the opening of which does not imply any finding of wrongdoing.
Verallia has reportedly provided all requested information and is fully cooperating with the authorities in the course of the investigation.
Bormioli Luigi and O-I Europe did not respond to Packaging Gateway’s request for comment.
