The Namibian Competition Commission (NaCC) has launched investigations against Namib Mills and Namib Poultry Industry for alleged refusal to supply certain poultry products to new entrants.
The probe follows after the competition watchdog received information relating to the restriction of market access for entrants in the Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) space.
“The Commission received information alleging that Namib Mills and Namib Poultry Industry (NPI) are limiting and restricting market access for new entrants, specifically MSMEs by refusing to supply them with certain products referred to as “Tertiary Range Products” which include products such as soup packs, giblets, necks (bulk), hearts, gizzards, necks (pre-pack), heads and feet, cleaned feet, liver tubs, mala, livers (bulk) and breast bone in and around Namibia. The information proposes that these products are reserved for more established and preferred clients,” the NaCC said.
“In addition, the information submitted to the Commission further alleges that Namib Mills and NPI hold a dominant position in the relevant market, which is provisionally defined as the market for the production and supply of poultry products including those categorised as Tertiary Range products.”
As part of the investigation, the competition watchdog will hold a public hearing to secure input from MSMEs.
“The Commission’s investigation aims to determine whether the conduct of refusal to supply certain poultry products to some MSMEs is one that contravenes the Act. As part of its investigation, the Commission has resolved to conduct public consultations with all known MSMEs,” the NaCC said.
