After a prolonged legal battle, Amsterdam's court has ruled that Heineken is liable for the misconduct of its Greek subsidiary, Athenian Brewery, following the 2014 Greek fine for market abuse. This marks the latest development in a case that has spanned nearly a decade, involving allegations that Athenian Brewery, which distributes Heineken, Amstel, and Greece’s Alfa, used exclusivity contracts to prevent competitor products from entering Greek supermarkets and hospitality venues.
Competitors have long sought compensation, citing financial losses resulting from Heineken’s alleged monopolistic practices. Macedonian Thrace Brewery, the Greek brewer behind the Vergina brand, is demanding €160 million, while Carlsberg seeks roughly double that amount due to revenue lost by its Greek subsidiary, Olympic Brewery, producer of the Mythos beer brand.
Since the initial 2014 fine, Heineken has consistently contested liability for its subsidiary’s actions, arguing that the Greek company operated independently. The ongoing dispute has involved numerous legal appeals in both Greek and Dutch courts, with Heineken challenging various rulings.
In its latest decision, the Amsterdam court has confirmed Heineken’s liability, though the precise compensation amount will be decided in December. Despite the ruling, Heineken remains resolute, with a spokesperson emphasizing that the decision was “exclusively a technical-legal ruling” and that the core case against Macedonian Thrace Brewery’s claim has yet to be heard in full.
The ruling has been hailed by independent brewers as a win against monopolistic practices by global conglomerates. Demetri Chriss, spokesperson for Macedonian Thrace Brewery, expressed optimism, calling it a “victory for all independent European brewers who have been disadvantaged by abuses by multinational giants with opaque corporate structures.”
As Heineken considers its options, the case’s final chapter awaits the court’s decision on damages this December.
