CCI to probe Pernod Ricard, seven others

The Competition Commission of India has ordered a detailed probe into French spirits giant Pernod Ricard and seven other entities for alleged cartelisation in the Indian-made foreign liquor market. The investigation will examine restrictive conduct by Pernod Ricard with retailers and wholesalers, potentially violating competition laws. The CCI’s Director General will lead the inquiry, looking into responsible individuals.

NEW DELHI: The Competition Commission has ordered a detailed probe against French spirits major Pernod Ricard and seven other entities for alleged cartelisation in the Indian-made foreign liquor market.The seven entities that have come under the watchdog’s lens are Indo Spirits, Pathway HR Solutions, Universal Distributors, Khao Gali, Bubbly Beverages, Shiv Associates and Organomix Ecosystems.Ordering the investigation, the regulator said it is of prima-facie view that Pernord Ricard’s restrictive conduct with its retailers/wholesalers, purportedly, to induce brand pushing and achieve higher market share in IMFL market in Delhi, falls within the purview of ‘exclusive dealing agreement’ under the Competition Act. Such conduct violates the Act, according to a 26-page order, dated May 5, by the Competition Commission of India (CCI). The complaint was filed before the CCI in 2024.CCI’s Director General (DG) will carry out the investigation that will also look into the role of the persons/officers who were responsible for the conduct of the activities of such entities as well as individuals whose consent or connivance was involved during the time of the contraventions.