The Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) has closed its investigation into the so-called “glass cartel,” the alleged agreement between glass wine bottle manufacturers regarding price increases applied to customers in 2022, (Provision No. 31783 – AGCM Bulletin 1/2026).
The news was announced by Assovetro, the association of glass manufacturers, which counts eight members among the nine companies under investigation.
The AGCM writes, “The investigation did not reveal any elements that would confirm the existence of an understanding between the Parties, in the form of an agreement or concerted practice, having as its object and/or effect the distortion of competition in the market for glass wine bottles.”
The AGCM continues, “it is not deemed necessary to continue this investigation by filing charges against the Parties regarding the violation of Article 101 TFEU alleged in the resolution initiating the investigation.”
Marco Ravasi, President of Assovetro, said, “This finally puts an end to a situation that had called into question the fairness of competition and the reputation of the sector. In an extremely complex and difficult period, glassworks were forced to react quickly, and the increases in bottle prices were due to external factors, such as the surge in energy and raw material costs. It is important to have the absolute legality of the glassworks’ conduct recognized and to have established the integrity of a sector that has always served its customers well.”
As evidenced by the Notice of Investigative Findings, during its investigations the Authority found that “the parties communicated the increases at different times and applied different methods to increase their prices (percentage increases on all products or surcharges). Some also sent mass communications to all customers, while others adopted ad hoc negotiations. Likewise, the amount of the increases showed some variability among the Parties.”
“No significant elements have emerged that suggest that the parties reacted to the raw material price increases in a coordinated manner, replacing natural market competition with concerted action on the levels and/or methods of the increases.”
The Antitrust investigation began in November 2023 and was triggered by reports, including one from the Authority’s whistleblowing platform, and involved Berlin Packaging Italy, Bormioli Luigi, O-I Italy, Verallia Italia, Vetreria Cooperativa Piegarese, Vetreria Etrusca, Vetri Speciali, Vetropack Italia and Zignago Vetro.