Pernod appeals against OFT ruling on Bacardi
Campaign News | Tuesday, 14 June 2005
Drinks firm refuses to accept decision of watchdog on trade practices
Simon Bowers
Tuesday June 14, 2005
The Guardian
The French drinks group Pernod Ricard has become the first company to appeal to the information commissioner over a refused freedom of information request, after it was turned down by the Office of Fair Trading.
The OFT has received an average of 40 to 50 requests for information a month since the Freedom of Information Act came into effect in January.
The request from Pernod relates to a battle over the British white rum market, where Pernod's Havana Club competes against Bacardi. Three years ago Bacardi was found to be in breach of competition rules and Pernod was unhappy with the agreement that the Bermuda-based firm reached with the OFT over its future behaviour. Pernod has sought details of the agreement, some of which has been withheld on commercial grounds, which the OFT claim is in accordance with the Enterprise Act.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/story/0,,1505775,00.html
