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Current Cases / Chocolate / Confection Industry Antitrust

Chocolate and Confectionery Industry Antitrust and Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

The US Department of Justice is investigating chocolate manufacturers in the US to find out whether there is any evidence of price fixing in the confectionery market.

Possible targets of the DOJ investigation may include Masterfoods USA, Mars North America, Cadbury Adams USA LLC, Cadbury Schweppes plc, The Hershey Company, and Nestlé S.A.

In addition to the DOJ investigation, private class action lawsuits have been filed against several of the above companies, alleging that they created an "international cartel" designed to "fix, raise, maintain and/or stabilize prices of chocolate."

Furthermore, Canadian cartel investigators launched an inquiry last month into whether Hershey, Nestlé and Cadbury had conspired to fix prices.

Companies that may be the target of the DOJ’s antitrust price fixing investigation and/or the class action lawsuits include:

• Masterfoods USA / Mars North America
• Cadbury Adams USA LLC / Cadbury Schweppes plc
• Nestlé S.A.
• The Hershey Company

Major Federal probes have been launched in Canada and the United States. More than 30 investigators are on the case in Canada alone. Warrants have been issued for the seizure of thousands of documents, emails, and other correspondence from the three major chocolate manufacturers, together with food distributor, ITWAL Limited. [more. . .]

If your company is or was a direct purchaser* of chocolate or confections from any of the above companies, you are urged to contact our law firm now to protect your legal rights. The alleged price-fixing in the chocolate / confection industry appears to span back to February 2002, so any wholesale purchases after that date may qualify for legal compensation. 

If you or any one you know has DIRECTLY* purchased chocolate or confections from Masterfoods USA / Mars North America, Cadbury Adams USA LLC / Cadbury Schweppes plc, Nestlé S.A., or The Hershey Company you are urged to contact the law offices of Audet & Partners at 800.965.1461 to speak to an attorney. The call is free and there is no obligation.

*DIRECT PURCHASERS ARE THOSE COMPANIES THAT PURCHASED CHOCOLATE OR CONFECTIONS DIRECTLY (I.E., "WHOLESALE") FROM ANY OF THE ABOVE COMPANIES.

You may also email us. Act now, as delays can harm your case. (your privacy is assured).

There is no charge and no obligation. If we take your case, there is no fee for our services unless we win your case or settle it in your favor.

On the other hand, if you fail to protect your legal rights now, you may lose the right to be compensated for your harm. (Persons seeking to preserve any potential legal claims should contact an attorney promptly, since all states have mandatory time periods in which lawsuits must be filed with the courts; otherwise, they may be forever barred.)

Please contact us now. The secure form below only takes a couple of minutes to fill out, but if you are uncomfortable sending your information over the internet, please call our toll-free number at 800.965.1461 to immediately speak to an attorney. The call is free and there is no obligation. Act now, as delays can harm your case.

Persons seeking to preserve any potential legal claims should contact an attorney promptly, since all states have mandatory time periods in which lawsuits must be filed with the courts; otherwise, they may be forever barred. Audet & Partners represents individuals, governmental entities, small businesses and institutional shareholders in product liability, tort, negligence, consumer, construction defect, investment fraud, securities, insider trading, antitrust, environmental, whistle blower, aviation and employment cases. In recognition of their outstanding abilities and commitment to the legal profession over the years, the firm and its members have served as Court-appointed Plaintiffs’ Counsel in dozens of federal and state cases throughout the United States.