Overview
- EU competition authorities launched formal proceedings to assess if Red Bull restricted competition in violation of abuse‑of‑dominance rules.
- The probe focuses on claims that Red Bull offered monetary and non‑monetary benefits to supermarkets and petrol stations to limit rivals’ sales or visibility.
- Investigators say the case concerns energy‑drink products larger than 250 milliliters, defining a specific segment of the market.
- The Commission notes indications of activity at least in the Netherlands, with reporting suggesting the strategy targeted Red Bull’s main competitor, reportedly Monster.
- The action follows EU dawn raids at Red Bull sites in March 2023, after which the company said it would fully cooperate with officials.