PRESS RELEASE

SEVEN INVESTIGATIONS LAUNCHED TO VERIFY THE AUTHENTICITY OF PRODUCTS WITH "EXTRA-VIRGIN OIL"

On the basis of reports received from a consumer association, the Italian Antitrust Authority initiated seven investigations on alleged unfair trade practices against several important major companies that sell oil in Italy. Besides the three brands of the Carapelli Group (“Carapelli Il frantoio”, “Bertolli Gentile” and “Sasso Classico”), the others are “Carrefour Classico”, “Cirio 100% italiano”, “De Cecco Classico”, “Prima donna Lidl”, “Pietro Coricelli Selezione” and “Santa Sabina”.

According to reports, following tests that took place in the chemical laboratories of the Customs Agency and Monopolies (Agenzia delle Dogane a dei Monopoli), the organoleptic and chemical characteristics of the samples of oils that were tested were found to be below the expected values to enable the oil to qualify as extra-virgin oil. If verified and proven, these practices might integrate several unfair commercial practices: information appearing on labels and in publicity campaigns for products that do not correspond to the declared qualitative characteristics, would be likely to mislead consumers in their purchasing decisions.

Rome, 13 November 2015