French wine industry giant investigated for antitrust issues in India

According to Agence France-Presse on the 9th, the Competition Commission of India recently received a complaint from a resident of Jaipur and ordered an antitrust investigation into the group on the 8th. According to the Competition Commission of India, Pernod Ricard proposed in 2021 to provide approximately $22 million in financial support to its Indian market retailers in exchange for its brands accounting for 35% of all alcoholic beverages sold in stores. The market share of Pernod Ricard's products reportedly rose from 15% to 35%, and the company plans to further increase it to 47% within three years. The Competition Commission of India stated that Pernod Ricard is suspected of artificially distorting market demand, thereby forcing competitors out of the market. Such practices could result in limited choices for consumers instead of benefiting them.