The Turkish Competition Board has formally launched an investigation into Coca-Cola Satış ve Dağıtım A.Ş. (CCSD), the Turkish bottler and distributor of Coca-Cola products, to assess whether the company has violated competition law by imposing exclusivity practices and restricting access for rival beverage producers at retail points.
Following a preliminary inquiry into the company’s commercial practices, the Board decided on 22 April 2025 (Decision No. 25-20/476-M) to open a full investigation under Article 41 of Law No. 4054 on the Protection of Competition. The inquiry was prompted by allegations that CCSD may have restricted competition by implementing practices that obstruct competitors’ access to sales channels. The Board stated that the evidence gathered was sufficient to warrant a deeper examination of potential violations of Articles 4 and 6 of the Competition Act, which prohibit anti-competitive agreements and abuse of dominance, respectively.
The Turkish Competition Authority emphasized that the launch of an investigation does not imply a definitive finding of wrongdoing, nor does it mean the company will automatically face penalties.
The Board will also examine whether CCSD has adhered to commitments made during a previous investigation in 2021, when the company submitted a package of behavioral commitments to resolve similar competition concerns.
In a public statement dated 10 June 2025, Coca-Cola İçecek A.Ş. (CCI), the parent company of CCSD, confirmed the investigation and reiterated that the initiation of proceedings does not indicate a legal violation. CCI noted that any further developments would be disclosed in line with Turkish Capital Markets Board (CMB) regulations.
About CCI
CCI is a subsidiary of the Anadolu Group and a major bottler of The Coca-Cola Company. Headquartered in Türkiye, CCI operates in 12 countries including Pakistan, Iraq, Kazakhstan, and Jordan, and serves a population of over 600 million people. The company produces and distributes both sparkling and still beverages, including juices, waters, iced teas, coffees, and energy drinks under the Coca-Cola and Monster Energy brands. CCI employs more than 10,000 people and operates 34 bottling plants and 3 fruit processing facilities. Its shares are publicly traded on the Borsa Istanbul (BIST) under the ticker symbol CCOLA.IS.
