The Dutch fresh produce industry has apparently reacted 'with surprise' at the latest revelations surrounding alleged price-fixing among a number of the country's pepper suppliers.
According to reports in the Dutch press, competition authority the NMa are investigating claims of an alleged cartel which, it is claimed, influenced a significant swathe of the market for locally produced peppers.
Agricultural news service AGD reported that Fresq and ZON were among three grower organisations under investigation, with the third one believed to be Rainbow Growers.
Sources told Fruitnet.com they believed ZON had acted as the whistleblower in the case, but the company has so far not been willing to confirm or deny such statements.
The NMa has invited the three companies involved to submit information regarding their pricing structures ahead of legal hearings planned for this coming March.
A spokesperson for Fresq told AGD: 'We are a transparent organisation and we will continue in our activities. Our growers are being cautious in how they respond.'
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