Jura Poland is the exclusive importer of Jura brand coffee machines in Poland. The President of the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK) stated that Jura Poland, together with its official distributors, who were also retailers, including major electronics chains in Poland such as RTV Euro AGD, Media Markt and Media Expert, was involved in a cartel for nearly 10 years.
The cartel involved the fixing of minimum resale prices for Jura brand coffee machines and their accessories, which prevented competitive offers from appearing in stationary and online stores. As a result, consumers were deprived of the opportunity to purchase these products in price lower than set by the importer. As a part of the agreement, Jura Poland and its distributors also colluded on the prices used in promotions and during sales, as well as on the types and value of free gifts offered to customers.
According to the UOKiK Jura Poland actively monitored distributor pricing and intervened if lower prices were offered, warning distributors about possible suspensions of deliveries or contract termination. At the same time, the distributors involved in collusion checked whether the other cartel participants were complying with collusion conditions. The involved parties exchanged information via phone calls, e-mails, WhatsApp, SMS, and at the meetings.
For participation in the cartel, the President of the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection imposed financial penalties amounted to over PLN 66 million (about EUR 16 million) on Jura Poland and its four key distributors. In addition, the person directly liable for the unlawful agreement at Jura Poland was fined nearly PLN 250,000 (EUR 60,000). The decision is not final and may be appealed to the court.
Olga Sztejnert-Roszak, IDI country expert for agency and distribution in Poland.
