Coca-Cola faces competition probe as retailers call foul over unfair trading practices The European Commission has launched a probe into Coca-Cola over potential violations to competition rules. The news comes as debate over implementation of the bloc’s approach to Unfair Trade Practices (UTPs) intensifies, with retailers flagging the negotiating power of large branded suppliers. European competition authorities are launching an investigation into Coca-Cola’s sales policy in the region, with a focus on the beverage maker’s discounting system. The competition authority declined to comment. However, it is understood that the Commission is examining the activities of Atlanta-based Coca-Cola Company and the European business Coca-Cola Europacific Partners across a number of European markets. The aim of the inquiry is to determine whether Coca-Cola’s condition system imposed on food retailers is impairing competition in the market for non-alcoholic drinks.