Authority uncovers a cartel among the main Italian producers of savoury snacks sold as private label products. The three companies participated in a market-sharing agreement in relation to the supply of savoury snacks manufactured for large-scale retailers.

The Italian Competition Authority has imposed a fine totalling 23,298,147 euro on Amica Chips S.p.A. (8,239,210 euro), Pata S.p.A. (7,555,387 euro) and Preziosi Food S.p.A. (7,503,550 euro). The Authority’s findings uncovered an agreement restricting competition, in breach of article 101 TFEU, in the Italian market for savoury snacks manufactured on behalf of large-scale retailers and sold through the latter’s own distribution network as private label products.

The three companies participated in a single, complex and continuous market-sharing cartel in relation to the supply of savoury snacks manufactured for large-scale retailers, by coordinating their respective commercial strategies.

The Authority applied its leniency programme and granted Pata and Amica Chips a reduction in fines, in light of the evidence they provided, which was significant in establishing the infringement. Moreover, the Authority resorted to the settlement procedure under article 14-quater of Law 287 of 10 October 1990 for the first time. The successful outcome of that procedure resulted in a further reduction in fines for all three companies.

Rome, 28 April 2026

Text of the decision