YEREVAN. – By the decision of the State Commission for the Protection of Economic Competition (SCPEC) of Armenia, Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company Armenia is fined 50 million drams (approx. US$101,688).

The decision was made at Friday’s meeting of the SCPEC.

The Commission informed Armenian News-NEWS.am that the respective administrative proceedings were instituted based on the letter of complaint, which the Jermuk International Pepsi-Cola Bottler Armenia company had submitted to the SCPEC.  

As per the letter of complaint, Coca-Cola CJSC has created entry barriers for rival companies in Armenia.

Coca-Cola is prohibiting the presence of other drinks in its refrigerators in stores in the country. Otherwise, it is warning these stores that it has the right to apply some strict measures.

But the SCPEC finds that such conduct creates an unlevel playing field between Coca-Cola and rival companies in Armenia, and this is impermissible.

The SCPEC, however, will also inspect the activities of Jermuk International Pepsi-Cola Bottler Armenia, to find out whether the aforementioned violations also exist in the conduct of this company.