By Brazil Stock Guide –Brazil’s antitrust watchdog Cade has requested explanations from iFood.com Agência de Restaurantes Online SA, part of Prosus NV, over allegations that the food delivery platform retaliated against restaurants that joined rival services, including 99Food.
In an official letter dated Monday (9), Cade’s General Superintendence said it is monitoring iFood’s compliance with obligations under a cease-and-desist settlement agreement signed in February 2023. The authority also cited ongoing economic monitoring of online food delivery marketplaces in cities including Goiânia, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Santos and São Vicente.
Cade said it became aware of a civil lawsuit filed in Goiás state court by Sindibares Goiânia, a local restaurants’ association, accusing iFood of allegedly anti-competitive and retaliatory practices. According to the watchdog, the claims include restaurants being hidden in search results, unilaterally deactivated, or incorrectly reclassified after using competing platforms, particularly 99Food.
The regulator also referenced media coverage, including a November 2025 report by Folha de S.Paulo, which said restaurants that ended exclusivity agreements with iFood reported sharp drops in revenue and attributed the decline to alleged retaliation by the app as it sought to contain 99Food’s expansion.
Cade further noted that similar complaints were posted on the consumer platform Reclame Aqui, including allegations of reduced visibility, sales declines, and threats of removal from iFood’s marketplace after restaurants refused or ended exclusivity arrangements.
In addition, Cade said it observed iFood assigning a virtual “exclusive” label to major chains such as Subway and QG Jeitinho Caseiro, and requested an explanation for the use of the badge and the criteria behind it.
The antitrust authority asked iFood to provide updates on the Goiás lawsuit, submit contracts signed with the allegedly affected restaurants — including expired agreements — and present evidence and defenses already filed in court. Cade also requested detailed responses regarding the media report, consumer complaints, and the “exclusive” badge practice.
The company has until Friday (27) to respond, according to the letter signed by Alden Caribé de Sousa, Cade’s coordinator-general for antitrust analysis.
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