Belgium’s antitrust watchdog, the Belgian Competition Authority (BCA), has launched a formal investigation into the domestic market practices of Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev), following complaints of alleged anti-competitive behavior. The probe centers on conditions imposed on wholesalers and hospitality operators in Belgium.
According to the BCA, the investigation was initiated after receiving reports from industry participants, including a complaint from the Federation of Belgian Drinks Traders (FeBeD) in May 2024 (inside.beer, 5.5.2024). The FeBeD accused AB InBev of margin squeezing by offering larger discounts to the hospitality sector than to independent retailers, which could push competitors out of the market.
The BCA’s prosecutor general found “serious indications” of potential violations of both European and Belgian competition laws, including abuse of dominant position (Article 102 TFEU) and anticompetitive agreements (Article 101 TFEU). However, the BCA emphasized that the investigation's opening does not imply a predetermined outcome, and AB InBev will fully participate in the proceedings.
In its response, AB InBev reiterated compliance with local laws and claimed to offer the “most flexible beer contracts” to bar owners in Belgium. The company highlighted that its updated discount program had been submitted to the BCA for approval in 2023 before its implementation. It expressed readiness to cooperate with the investigation to present and substantiate its position.
This investigation follows a 2019 case where the European Commission fined AB InBev EUR 200.4 million (USD 225.1 million) for restricting cheaper imports of Jupiler beer from the Netherlands to Belgium, citing abuse of its dominant market position (inside.beer, 13.5.2019). Additionally, AB InBev recently faced scrutiny in India for alleged anti-competitive practices alongside Pernod Ricard.
The outcome of this latest investigation will be closely monitored by stakeholders across the industry.