Sixteen retailers, CHF 28 million, and the fee suppliers paid to stay on the shelf

Sixteen retailers, CHF 28 million, and the fee suppliers paid to stay on the shelf

Tina Gerbec
Published on: 05/11/2026

The Swiss competition commission fined sixteen retailers CHF 28 million: it accepted the jointly negotiated discount and drew the line at hidden rebates in supplier service fees.

supplier negotiationretail negotiationkey account managementannual negotiationsbuying cooperationpurchasing alliancelisting feesservice feessupplier conditionshidden rebatesretail buying powerprocurementSwiss competition commissionWEKOMarkantThe Human Signal
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Almost three months without a delivery. Then they agreed, and neither side said on what.

Almost three months without a delivery. Then they agreed, and neither side said on what.

Tina Gerbec
Published on: 29/10/2026

In 2022, Coca-Cola stopped delivering to Edeka for almost three months. Germany’s highest court decided what a retailer must give in return when it asks suppliers for more. Three cases and three questions for the annual negotiations now running.

annual negotiationsJahresgesprächesupplier negotiationretail negotiationCoca-Cola EdekaBundeskartellamtsupplier conditionskey account managementprocurementFMCGlisting fees
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The demand stayed on the table. Every payment in it now sits on a condition.

The demand stayed on the table. Every payment in it now sits on a condition.

Tina Gerbec
Published on: 22/10/2026

In 2021 the Bundeskartellamt closed its proceeding on Kaufland's special demands to suppliers after the Real takeover, once each payment was tied to a listing, actual sales or advertising, with an end date and in writing.

supplier negotiationannual negotiationsretail negotiationkey account managementprocurementspecial demandslisting feepromotion feeconditional tradingsomething in returnKauflandBundeskartellamtGerman competition authorityThe Human Signal
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The buyer said its supplier asked for more to keep delivering. Five weeks later, the supplier had a new owner, and the buyer was helping to pay for it

The buyer said its supplier asked for more to keep delivering. Five weeks later, the supplier had a new owner, and the buyer was helping to pay for it

Tina Gerbec
Published on: 16/10/2026

In 2018, engine maker Deutz said its foundry asked for higher prices, one-off payments and purchase commitments to keep delivering. Deutz went to court, then backed a new owner for the supplier.

supplier negotiationsupply stopprocurementpurchasing risksupplier dependencybuyer powerpreliminary injunctionDeutzNeue Halberg GussPrevent groupThe Human Signal
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