In a landmark case targeting chocolate shrinkflation, a German regional court in Bremen has ruled that Mondelēz, the manufacturer of Milka's classic Alpine Milk chocolate bar, cheated consumers and violated competition law. The court found that reducing the bar's weight from 100g to 90g while keeping the same purple packaging misled customers.

The case was brought by Hamburg's consumer protection office (VZHH), which accused Mondelēz of deceiving consumers. The court stated that the unchanged packaging created a "visually conveyed expectation" of the product's previous weight, leading to a discrepancy that constituted deception. To eliminate this, a "clear, understandable and easily perceptible notice on the wrapper" would be necessary.

Mondelēz responded that it takes the court's decision seriously and will review it in detail. The company had argued that it informed consumers about the weight change via its website and social media, citing rising costs in supply chains, particularly cocoa prices due to poor harvests in West Africa. The court's verdict is not yet legally binding, as the company has one month to appeal.

The ruling is significant as it addresses the widespread practice of shrinkflation, where manufacturers reduce product size or content while maintaining prices. In the UK, consumer group Which? has called it a "sneaky" tactic. Chocolate prices have risen 14.6% in the year to August 2025, according to Which?.

The issue extends beyond Milka. Ritter Sport, another iconic German chocolate brand, has reduced the weight of some varieties from 100g to 75g while keeping the same square shape, though with noticeably changed packaging. The Hamburg consumer group has added 77 products to its "rip-off packaging" list in 2025 alone, including toothpaste, oats, and instant coffee.

Source: www.bbc.com