Laying hen farmers go to court over compensation for egg cartel

The Egg Cartel Damage Foundation is taking egg processors Wulro, Interovo and Global to court over their egg cartel. More than 100 laying hen farmers from the Netherlands and Belgium, who are members of the organization, are demanding compensation for their damage.

The Dutch competition authority (ACM) had previously fined the three companies. According to the authority, they had entered into prohibited price agreements when purchasing eggs from laying hen farmers a few years ago. ACM CEO Martijn Snoep also admitted that farmers had suffered as a result. "They got a lower price for the eggs," he said.

The companies' directors were in regular contact via WhatsApp. For example, the ACM read in a message that one of the directors believed he was making a real profit from the price agreements. "Totally agree! I'll drink to that," the other replied via the messaging app.

Previously, the Foundation for Cartel Damages wanted to talk to Wulro, Interovo, and Global about compensation. "Unfortunately, the talks with the cartels did not lead to a solution. Issuing the summons is, therefore, a necessary step towards compensation," said Jan Willem Lagerweij, Director of the Damages Foundation.

The foundation has not disclosed the exact amounts involved. This will be different for each entrepreneur. In addition, laying hen farmers who have not yet done so can still participate in the lawsuit.

Wulro, Interovo, and Global buy so-called industrial eggs from farmers. These eggs do not end up in the supermarket but are used by the food industry. The companies could not be reached for comment on Friday evening.