The Dutch court is reportedly close to ruling in favor of Macedonia-Thrace Brewery (ZMT) regarding a significant legal dispute centered on competition violations. The court could potentially award ZMT at least €83 million in damages, which would be jointly owed by Heineken and its subsidiary, Attica Brewery, for practices deemed abusive within the Greek beer market. ZMT is known for its beer brand 'Vergina' and has been in a legal battle primarily against Heineken and its brands such as Alpha and Mamos.

This legal issue traces back to a ruling made by the Greek Competition Commission in 2015, which confirmed that Attica Brewery had abused its dominant market position in Greece for a period of 16 years. The case highlights ongoing concerns about competitive fairness in the beer industry in Greece, particularly regarding how larger players like Heineken might influence market dynamics to the detriment of smaller local producers. The latest developments in the Amsterdam Regional Court signify an important step in this long-standing dispute.

The implications of this case extend beyond mere financial compensation. A ruling in favor of ZMT could set a precedent in the Greek market regarding competition law enforcement, particularly in how dominant companies operate and maintain fair pricing and distribution practices against local competitors. If confirmed, this decision could serve as a significant boost to the local brewery industry's confidence in challenging larger conglomerates, ensuring healthier competition within the market.