Skip to content

Uncovered potential fraudulent activities at Aldi, Kaufland, and associated establishments?

Aldi, Kaufland, and other customers may unknowingly purchase counterfeit Milka packaging, according to a warning issued by the consumer center.

Potential frauds unveiled for Aldi, Kaufland, and other retailers?
Potential frauds unveiled for Aldi, Kaufland, and other retailers?

Uncovered potential fraudulent activities at Aldi, Kaufland, and associated establishments?

In recent news, consumers have been left puzzled by a change in the size and price of their favourite Milka chocolate bars. Mondelez Germany GmbH, the manufacturer of Milka, has announced an increase in production costs, including cocoa, energy, packaging, and transport, as the reason for the price hike.

However, many Milka chocolate bars now weigh 90 grams instead of 100 grams, representing a 10% reduction in content. This reduction is not indicated clearly on the packaging, leading to confusion among consumers.

The Consumer Advice Center, an organisation dedicated to consumer protection, is advocating for manufacturers to be legally bound to provide guidelines for shrinking package sizes. They are calling for a six-month warning about reduced fill weight and a correspondingly smaller package size.

The Centre is also urging manufacturers to provide clear and visible warnings about any reductions in fill weight and package size. They believe that this transparency is crucial for consumers to make informed decisions about their purchases.

Interestingly, the packaging and design of Milka chocolate bars remain unchanged, making the reduction in content noticeable only upon a direct comparison of the old and new bars. The new bars are also about one millimeter thinner.

The price of many Milka chocolate bar varieties has increased from 1.49 euros to 1.99 euros, representing an over 48% price hike. The small print, which can be easily covered by the flaps of boxes at stores like Aldi and Kaufland, may not reveal this increase.

In response to these concerns, the Consumer Advice Center Hamburg is taking Mondelez Germany GmbH to court. They accuse the company of misleading advertising related to Milka chocolate bars.

The Centre is pushing for manufacturers to be transparent about the reasons for any changes in product size and price. They believe that a more consumer-friendly approach to product packaging and pricing changes is essential to maintain consumer trust.

In conclusion, the issue of reduced fill weight in Milka chocolate bars without clear indication has sparked concerns among consumers and consumer advocacy groups. The Consumer Advice Center is seeking to hold manufacturers accountable for any deceptive practices related to "shrinkflation" and ensure that consumers are adequately informed about any changes to the size and price of products.

Read also: