The Belgian Competition Authority rejects a complaint of abuse of dominance in the beer distribution sector (Inbev)

1. The Parties The plaintiffs in this case are, on the one hand, the Flanders and Walloon HORECA (that is the Federation of Hotels, restaurant and catering professionals) and, on the other hand, several bars owners. The action is brought against Inbev Belgium plc (“Inbev”), a subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch InBev, the world's largest brewer (25% of global market share). In Belgium, Inbev is the largest brewer of pilsner beer and holds a national network of wholesalers and distributors throughout the country. 2. The Facts In 2006, Inbev produced new glasses for its “Inbev” beer, the most popular pilsner on the Belgian market. Therefore thousands of bars, hotels and restaurants in Belgium, selling Inbev beer, were induced to use this new glass. According to the plaintiffs, this happened