The Administrative Court of Appeal has ruled in favor of Coca-Cola HBC Greece, reversing a fine of €10.3 million that the Competition Commission had imposed for alleged abuse of a dominant market position concerning carbonated soft drinks. The case originated from a 2016 investigation into the company's business practices in the market for non-alcoholic beverages. In its 2022 decision, the Competition Commission determined that Coca-Cola HBC Greece S.A.I.C. had infringed competition laws, leading to significant financial penalties.

Following the court's decision under ruling 3713/2025, the Competition Commission has been instructed to revisit the case, which may prompt a re-evaluation of the evidence and the legal standards applied in the initial ruling. Coca-Cola HBC, having improved its financial performance by the end of 2025, is now poised to strategically acquire a 75% stake in Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, positioning itself for broader market engagement and operational expansion in the beverage sector.

This development not only highlights the ongoing legal battles faced by major companies in competitive markets but also underscores the broader context of regulatory scrutiny on market practices. The outcome of such disputes can have significant implications for industry players, competitive dynamics, and future regulatory frameworks in the beverage landscape, potentially altering how authorities enforce competition laws in Greece and beyond.