Milka faces legal action by consumer rights activists

Consumer organizations file a lawsuit against Milka

In a recent development, the Consumer Protection Center Hamburg has filed a lawsuit against Mondelez at the Bremen Regional Court. The case involves allegations of unfair competition due to deceptive packaging, namely that the Milka chocolate bars now weigh 90 grams instead of 100 grams, with an unchanged packaging design.

The difference between the chocolate bars is only noticeable upon direct comparison, with the bar itself about a millimeter thinner. The manufacturer, Mondelez Germany, has adjusted the weight of the Milka bar in the standard and large formats due to increased costs in the supply chain and for ingredients.

Mondelez Germany maintains that transparency for consumers is their top priority. They have informed customers about the changes via social media. However, the Consumer Protection Center criticizes the lack of a clear indication of the reduction in content on the packaging. The small print indicating the reduction in content is easily overlooked and often covered by sales cartons on the supermarket shelf.

Consumer Advocate Armin Valet calls for the federal government to establish binding guidelines for shrinking packaging contents. Valet suggests manufacturers should be obliged to display a warning for at least six months if they offer less product in the same packaging.

After Mondelez Germany responds, the chamber will decide on the next steps in the lawsuit. An oral hearing at court is also possible. The outcome of the lawsuit is still uncertain.

An overview of all Milka bars, varieties, and weights is available at any time on the Milka website. The company clearly indicates the new weight of each Milka bar on the product packaging.

Valet also suggests that the package size should decrease with the content. This would help consumers make informed decisions and avoid feeling deceived by the apparent unchanged packaging.

The lawsuit is a significant issue, as cocoa prices have almost tripled in the last twelve months and have reached a record level. This price increase has undoubtedly contributed to the need for manufacturers to adjust their product weights.

As the case progresses, it will be interesting to see how the court rules and whether this will set a precedent for future packaging changes by other manufacturers. In the meantime, consumers are encouraged to check the weight of their favourite products and be aware of any changes.