Since November 2019, a dispute has arisen between the US company Coca-Cola and its trading partners. The beverage manufacturer has raised its prices – a German supermarket chain is now resisting it.
As the “Lebensmittel Zeitung” reports, several Edeka regions recommend ordering parts of the Coca-Cola range to be stopped. According to this, almost 120 of the brand’s products are affected in some branches, including Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta or mineral water from Vio.
“Disagreements on an international level”
The Edeka regions are said to have suggested different products to their merchants, which they should no longer order. According to “Lebensmittel Zeitung”, “national differences” and “disagreements at international level” are cited as reasons. That is in a letter from Edeka Nord. Other media reports that the reason is not the dispute about the conditions, but rather storage capacities and assortment adjustments.
Coca-Cola regrets Edeka regions’ decision
At the request of the “Lebensmittel Zeitung” Penny, Lidl, Rewe and Aldi confirmed higher prices for Coca-Cola products. Edeka didn’t comment on the subject. Coca-Cola, on the other hand, regrets the decision: “We are committed to the further partnership and would like to continue the dialogue about future cooperation.”
In November the group not only increased prices, but also tightened conditions for dealers. Discounts can therefore only be offered if the entire Coca-Cola range is on the market.
Nestlé removed from the range in 2018
Edeka belongs to the European purchasing association Agecore. With an order stop at Edeka, Verbund can increase the pressure on Coca-Cola in negotiations. This would be the second time that Verbund has used this method. Around two years ago, Edeka had removed more than 200 Nestlé products from its range for some time. Back then it was all about delivery prices.
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