Fruit distributors Fyffes confirmed today that EU competition officials visited the company's Dublin premises yesterday as part of a Europe-wide probe into trade in the banana and pineapple industries.
'EU Commission officials made an unannounced visit to Fyffes premises in connection with enquiries they're making into banana and pineapple trades in the EU,' a spokesman for the company said.
'The visits related to a wider inquiry that included all of its principal competitors. Fyffes is co-operating with these enquiries,' the spokesman added.
The EU Commission said today that it had raided banana and pineapple producers and distributors in Ireland, Germany, Belgium and Britain over concerns about price-fixing and market sharing after US giant Chiquita Brands blew the whistle.
The Commission identified none of the companies raided in Germany, Belgium, Britain and Ireland, but Chiquita issued a statement and Fyffes and Dole Food Company acknowledged they were raided.
Two other large market players, Fresh Del Monte Produce Company and Ecuador's Noboa, were not available for comment on whether or not they had been raided.
Banana prices have been increasing over the last year, though prices continue to remain reasonable to retailers. Market sources say that this is due to a number of factors - including lower output of bananas. Within the EU this is a cyclical phenomenon and will probably unwind next year.
Fyffes has for months been involved in an insider dealing case in the High Court against industrial holding company DCC.
Fyffes shares closed down seven cent at €2.24 in Dublin.
