Brewing giant Heineken has lost its legal case against the Jumbo supermarket chain, which it claimed had started a “boycott” of the company’s products.

Since 2023, Jumbo has been part of the Everest purchasing group and embroiled in difficult negotiations with Heineken about the cost of its beers, which are much cheaper for supermarkets in Germany and France.

The supermarket said in court earlier this month it is not buying from Heineken because of the “bizarre” prices the brewer has been charging in the Netherlands since the start of this year.

The court ruled on Thursday that Jumbo, which has been selling Heineken products for 60 years, cannot be forced to buy more beer from Heineken.

Instead, the court agreed with Jumbo that the two companies need to come to a new agreement, following the supermarket’s shift to Everest. However, the court also said it was inappropriate for Jumbo to cancel an agreement so quickly, given the 60-year relationship, and that means Heineken could be entitled to compensation.

Heineken said in a reaction that it would study the ruling closely and that it wanted to continue its long relationship with Jumbo. Jumbo has not yet reacted.