A German court has delivered a landmark verdict against shrinkflation, ruling that Mondelez International’s Milka chocolate bars violated consumer protection laws by reducing the product size without a corresponding price cut. The ruling, handed down today in Stuttgart, declares that the practice misled customers and demands immediate corrective measures. Sources confirm the company faces fines and must revise packaging to reflect true content.
In a rapid response, the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority has announced its own investigation, citing similar concerns over shrinking chocolate bars that cost more. Documents uncovered by our team show Mondelez quietly reduced Milka bars from 100g to 90g in 2023 while maintaining the same packaging. The German court found this ‘grossly deceptive’, a blow to corporate giants who treat consumers as profit margins.
The British watchdog is now scrutinising other brands, including Nestlé and Cadbury, for similar tactics. Consumer groups are celebrating the decision as a victory against corporate greed, but the fight is far from over. Mondelez has yet to comment, but internal emails suggest panic in their legal department.
This is a story about power: the power of companies to rig the system, and the power of courts to push back. Stay tuned.
