economy
March 10, 2026
Delez Notified of Lawsuit Against Serbia, Minister Lazarevic Claims We Have Strong Arguments
The issue of rising food prices in Serbia is back in focus due to the practice of so-called 'off-rebates' in retail chains and a new law that should regulate relations between traders and suppliers.
TL;DR
- Serbia faces an arbitration dispute with the company Delez concerning trade practices and pricing.
- A new law on unfair trade practices will regulate or prohibit 'off-rebates,' a practice that inflates food prices by allowing retailers to receive substantial discounts retroactively from suppliers.
- The 'off-rebate' system allows retailers to sell products at a much higher margin than officially recorded.
- Delez has formally initiated arbitration proceedings against Serbia, claiming losses due to a price margin regulation that has since expired.
- The Serbian government, represented by the Republic Public Attorney's Office, is confident in its case and committed to protecting state interests.
- The antitrust commission is also investigating Delez and three other major retailers for suspected price-fixing agreements.
- The new law categorizes 'off-rebates' into prohibited and conditionally allowed practices, aiming to create a more balanced supply chain.
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