Birol Küle, the President of the Competition Authority, revealed that they have conducted numerous investigations into the red meat sector. Küle stated, “We will impose administrative fines equivalent to 10% of their turnover on enterprises that violate competition.” President of the Competition Authority, Birol Küle, evaluated the agency’s efforts regarding the red meat sector. Pointing out that they have received numerous complaints and reports on enterprises in the sector colluding to fix prices, increase prices through agreements, or restrict supply, Küle emphasized, “We are conducting simultaneous investigations into the red meat sector and we have significant findings on this matter.” Despite their investigations, Küle warned enterprises continuing to violate regulations in the sector, stating, “We will impose administrative fines equivalent to 10% of their turnover on enterprises that violate competition based on the authority granted to us by our legislation. Indeed, I remind you that in 2023, we imposed significant fines on a leading company in the sector.” Emphasizing their goal of ensuring that citizens have access to more affordable, higher quality products, Küle pointed out that the red meat industry is critical for them from many perspectives when it comes to consumer welfare. “NO SANCTION WILL BE AVOIDED” Küle underlined that red meat is an essential protein source for a healthy and balanced diet for citizens, stating, “On the other hand, red meat is in interaction with sectors such as livestock, feed, milk, and dairy products, as well as retail, and therefore it plays a key role in many sectors. A competition problem in one of these markets affects other markets and these problems grow even larger like a snowball effect. Therefore, we attach great importance to establishing competition in the red meat sector from this perspective. We consider it crucial for all enterprises operating in this market to determine their prices independently from each other based on competitive parameters, and we emphasize this strongly. As part of our commitment to stand against any competitive concerns affecting citizen welfare, I warn enterprises to eliminate competition issues in this sector. No sanctions will be avoided in the face of identified violations.”