BRUSSELS, April 13, 2026 — The European Commission has carried out unannounced antitrust inspections at the premises of a company active in the chocolate confectionery sector in two EU Member States.
The inspections form part of an investigation into possible breaches of EU competition rules prohibiting cartels, restrictive business practices and abuses of a dominant market position under Articles 101 and 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
According to the Commission, the probe focuses in particular on suspected market segmentation practices, including potential restrictions on cross-border trade within the EU’s Single Market and obstacles that could prevent buyers from purchasing chocolate products across multiple countries.
Preliminary step in investigation
The inspections represent an initial investigative measure used by the Commission when it suspects anticompetitive conduct. The authority stressed that conducting such inspections does not mean the company involved has committed a violation or that the outcome of the investigation has already been determined.
The Commission said it will respect companies’ rights of defence throughout the proceedings, including their right to be heard during the investigation.
No fixed timeline for inquiry
The Commission noted that there is no legal deadline for completing investigations into suspected anticompetitive behaviour. The duration of such cases typically depends on factors including their complexity, the level of cooperation from companies involved and the exercise of procedural rights by the parties.
The authority also highlighted its whistleblower tool, which allows individuals and companies to report suspected anticompetitive practices anonymously through an encrypted messaging system that enables two-way communication with investigators.
Source: Commission carries out unannounced antitrust inspections in the chocolate confectionery sector
