Turkey Fines Frito-Lay $36 Million for Antitrust Violations

Frito-Lay, a subsidiary of PepsiCo Inc., has been fined approximately 1.3 billion lira ($36 million) by Turkey's antitrust regulator for obstructing competitors in the packaged chips market. The Turkish Competition Authority concluded that Frito-Lay engaged in unfair practices that hindered the sales of rival brands in grocery stores and kiosks. As part of the ruling, the company is required to allocate 30% of its shelf space to competitor products in stores smaller than 200 square meters, ensuring visibility and accessibility for those brands. This penalty is part of a broader effort by Turkey to promote fair competition and consumer choice in its snack market. Frito-Lay's fine reflects a trend of increased scrutiny and penalties imposed by Turkish regulators on corporations violating competition laws. The decision is seen as a significant move to level the playing field for smaller competitors in the industry.