Ethiopia: Tribunal dismisses suit against Heineken

Ethiopian Trade Practices & Consumer Protection Authority’s tribunal has dismissed a suit instigated by Meta Abo Brewery S.C. against Heineken Breweries. This was following both parties failed to appear for the second time, 2merkato reported on August 17.

It was back in June 2017 that Meta filled its pleading claiming that Heineken hoarded its bottles and crates for more than a year. The pleading further noted that the company lost its competitive edge along with 9 million Birr.

The defendant was summoned by the court to present its statement of defence by July 27, 2017. Nevertheless, Heineken failed to do so and also failed to appear on the adjourned hearing date. Following this the tribunal ordered fresh summons to be served to the defendant and to appear on August 11, 2017.

For the hearing day, it was also Meta that failed to appear before the tribunal. And following this, the tribunal dismissed the suit as per the Civil Procedure Code of Ethiopia.

17 August, 2017