Hungarian Competition Authority

Case number:

Vj-29/2006

Type of case:

Deception of consumers

Undertaking(s) concerned:

Auchan Magyarország Kft.

Description:

The following four conducts of Auchan were misleading:
1. Auchan issued several advertising leaflets in which it used the terms "the lowest price" and "our cheapest product" which were capable of being deceptive.
2. A discounted DVD player was not available in some of Auchan's stores during the whole or part of the discount campaign.
3. Auchan marketed cat food in a "3+1 gift" package suggesting that as being cheaper than buying four cans separately, however the 3+1 package was not cheaper.
4. Though the "Vera" mineral water was advertised in Auchan1s advertising leaflets on a price of HUF 139, still the product was sold at a higher price in two of its stores for one and nine days respectively.

Decision:

The Competition Council stated that these conducts deceived consumers and violated the Hungarian Competition Act, consequently Auchan was fined for HUF 50 million.

Date:

Budapest, 20 July 2005