Aldi's Dubai outlet stirs controversy with chocolate scandal
Aldi's Dubai outlet stirs controversy with chocolate scandal
Aldi Süd's "Dubai Chocolate" misstep lands them in legal trouble with the Cologne Regional Court. The discounter's sales of the "Alyan Dubai Handmade Chocolate," produced in Turkey, have been temporarily halted due to a misleading label.
German regulations strictly mandate that products labeled as "Dubai Chocolate" must either be produced in Dubai or carry a substantial connection to the city. Anything shy of this risks confusing consumers into believing the chocolate is imported from Dubai.
In a court ruling, the Cologne Regional Court deemed the back label of "Alyan Dubai Handmade Chocolate," which indicated Turkish production, insufficient to alleviate the potential for consumer deception. According to the court, consumers might perceive the product as being made in Dubai due to the labeling, which could mislead them.
Andreas Wilmers, a confectionery importer selling Fex chocolate made in Dubai in Germany, initiated the lawsuit against Aldi Süd. If the discounter proceeds with the mislabeling again, they could face fines. Aldi Süd has yet to comment on the situation, and the decision remains unfinalized, allowing for potential objections.
This court case is part of a larger trend against misleading labeling of "Dubai Chocolate." In December, Wilmers also sent cease and desist letters to Lidl and Lindt due to the sale of similar products. As of now, the decisions regarding those cases remain pending.
The "Dubai Chocolate" filled with pistachio cream and crispy dough threads has generated significant buzz, with its popularity spread extensively over social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. Despite the market's enthusiasm for the chocolate, the product sold out rapidly in many Aldi stores in December. The bars are now available in Lindt boutiques nationwide, even sparking mile-long lines and online resales at exorbitant prices. A 100-gram bar can set you back up to 20 euros.
[1] Source: MWA – Zentrale Stelle für Marken- und Wettbewerbsstreitigkeiten[2] Source: Handelsblatt[3] Source: Die Welt[4] Source: RTL24[5] Source: Handelsblatt Online
Despite the legal trouble, Aldi Süd continues to sell other candy products with accurate labeling. Consumers should be aware that the "Dubai Chocolate" issue is specific to the mislabeled "Alyan Dubai Handmade Chocolate," and other candy products from Aldi Süd are not involved in the court case.