The Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) has concluded its inquiry into alleged anti-competitive practices among several glass bottle producers, including Verallia Italia, without finding evidence of collusion.

The AGCM has now closed the case and confirmed that "no infringement was found."

The investigation, initiated in 2023, examined price increases in the glass wine bottle sector that began in 2022.

In a statement, Verallia said it “remains committed to maintaining independent pricing policies, focused on quality, secure supply, and value creation for its customers”.

According to the AGCM, the review found that the price adjustments were attributable to exceptional rises in costs for energy and raw materials, coupled with strong market demand.

The authority determined that these factors, rather than coordinated pricing strategies among manufacturers, led to the observed price changes.

The case was opened after authorities received a number of complaints, including one via a whistleblowing channel.

The inquiry involved multiple companies operating in Italy’s glass bottle industry, such as Berlin Packaging Italy, O-I Italy, Vetropack Italia and Zignago Vetro.

In November 2023, the regulator conducted inspections at the companies’ main offices and at Assovetro, the national trade association.

Verallia employs nearly 11,000 people across 35 glass manufacturing sites in 12 countries.

The company supplies glass packaging for beverages and food to more than 10,000 clients globally. In 2024, it produced over 16 billion glass bottles and jars, generating €3.5bn ($4.07bn) in revenue.