Belgium’s competition authority has launched a formal investigation into AB InBev due to concerns regarding its business practices within the domestic market. This inquiry was prompted by complaints from industry stakeholders about the conditions imposed on wholesalers and hospitality operators concerning beer supply.

Anheuser-Busch InBev NV/SA (AB InBev) is the largest beer producer globally. In Belgium, its leading brand is Jupiler, which accounts for roughly 40% of the country’s beer market in sales volume.

Last Thursday, the Belgian Competition Authority released a statement indicating that its Prosecutor General had identified “serious indications” of possible competition law infringements. These alleged violations pertain to the abuse of a dominant market position and the existence of anticompetitive agreements. Consequently, the BCA has initiated a formal antitrust investigation into AB InBev’s business practices.

In 2019, the European Commission fined AB InBev 200 million euros for restricting cross-border beer sales. From 9 February 2009 to 31 October 2016, AB InBev exploited its dominant market position in Belgium by implementing a strategy to prevent supermarkets and wholesalers from purchasing Jupiler beer at lower prices in the Netherlands and importing it into Belgium. This strategy was designed to sustain higher prices in Belgium by curtailing the importation of more affordable Jupiler beer products from the Netherlands.

AB InBev has reiterated its commitment to complying with local regulations in all its markets. The company has indicated that it offers highly adaptable beer contracts to bar owners and will collaborate with authorities during the review process.