In 2006, Konzum held the largest market share in the retail market for mixed goods, primarily food, beverages, and hygiene products, with approximately 30 percent market share, followed by the Rewe Group (Billa and Minaco), Kaufland Croatia, Getro, Mercator-H, Plodine, and Kerum.
Compared to 2005, the overall value of this market continued to grow, according to research results published today by the Competition Protection Agency. According to market concentration indicators used in competition law (CR and Herfindahl-Hirschman index), the research showed that this market is moderately concentrated and is a dynamic and relatively well-segmented market in terms of retail coverage across the entire territory of Croatia, the Agency stated. The statement also noted that the Agency Council, at the meeting where the results of this research were adopted, decided to dismiss the request of Lidl Croatia against Konzum for establishing abuse of a dominant position, as there are no legal conditions for initiating it.
The Agency clarified that Lidl, in its request, listed about ten suppliers whom, in its opinion, Konzum conditions the continuation of further business cooperation on the termination of cooperation with Lidl. Based on the results of the previous market condition investigation conducted by the Agency, the Council determined that Lidl’s claims were inaccurate. Namely, the Council indisputably established that eight out of the ten listed suppliers simultaneously cooperate with both Lidl and Konzum, while for the remaining two entrepreneurs, the termination of cooperation with Konzum was established, but for commercial reasons, such as due to non-competitive pricing of products or due to switching to direct procurement from manufacturers, along with the cessation of procurement from suppliers.
