The Autorité de la concurrence fines Chocolats De Neuville for hindering its franchisees’ commercial freedom

Summary:

The Autoritu00e9 de la concurrence has fined Chocolats De Neuville u20ac4,068,000 for restricting the online sales of its brand chocolates by its franchisees and hindering their commercial freedom. The investigation found that De Neuville's contractual framework, in place from 2006 to 2019, prohibited franchisees from freely selling products online, reserving exclusive rights to the company. Additionally, from 2006 to 2022, De Neuville restricted franchisees' ability to approach professional customers. The fine has been imposed jointly with its parent company, Savencia Holding, alongside a communication and publication injunction.