Brazil's antitrust agency Cade has launched a preliminary probe into iFood over allegations of breaching a 2023 agreement on exclusivity contracts with restaurants. The confidential investigation, ongoing since at least August 2025, includes questionnaires sent to restaurant chains and could result in fines or revocation of the deal. iFood denies any wrongdoing, stating the monitoring is routine.
The agreement between Cade and iFood was signed in 2023, following nearly two years of initial investigation. It aims to curb exclusivity contract practices, banning deals with chains of more than 30 outlets and capping such contracts at no more than 25% of the platform's GMV (gross merchandise volume). Additionally, iFood must provide counteroffers, including investments in restaurants, business consulting, and marketing campaign subsidies.
Cade's General Superintendence is leading the preliminary inquiry, which examines complaints of non-compliance. Restaurant networks received a digital questionnaire stating the agency is probing conduct that may violate the term of cessation of conduct (TCC). Outcomes could trigger an administrative process, reviewed by Cade's tribunal, potentially revoking the agreement and halting exclusive contracts.
Cade President Gustavo Freitas de Lima confirmed the probe in an interview with Folha, voicing concerns: "We are worried about possible abuse of dominant position [by iFood in the delivery market]".
iFood's legal and public policy vice president Lucas Pittioni stated no new procedure exists and monitoring is routine. "We are totally confident that the agreement is 100% fulfilled by the platform with no issues," he said. Pittioni noted Cade gathers data from the company, a third-party monitor, and the market.
The term stipulates fines from R$50,000 to R$5 million for full or partial breach, with oversight by an entity hired by iFood.
In related matters, Folha reported in 2023 that restaurants accused iFood of threatening higher commissions for not renewing exclusivity, a practice iFood claims complies with rules. On November 19, 2025, a Goiás court injunction suggested iFood was hiding partner restaurants in retaliation for joining rival 99Food in Goiânia. Judge Tatianne Mustafa noted: "[The documents] show changes in ranking, views, and categorization of represented establishments, apparently aimed at hindering the competitor's growth". iFood disputes the ruling and plans to appeal, stating: "iFood has no interest in making platform restaurants sell less".