A German court has banned a supermarket from selling a product known as “Dubai Chocolate”, ruling that the trendy confectionery can only be labeled as such if it actually comes from the emirate.
The court in the western city of Cologne ruled that discount supermarket Aldi can no longer sell its “Alian Dubai Handmade Chocolate” because the product in question was actually made in Türkiye.
Aldi argued that this was made clear on the reverse label, but the court concluded that the product’s name could lead consumers to believe that “the product is actually produced in Dubai and imported into Germany. Is.”
What is in a name?
The case was brought by German candy importer Andreas Wilmers, which sells “Dubai Chocolates” made by the brand “Fix” in Dubai.
In December, Wilmers filed similar complaints against supermarket discount rival Lidl and Swiss confectioner Lindt, which are still ongoing.
Lidl has argued that the term “Dubai chocolate” refers only to a type of chocolate with creamy pistachio and “kadayif” filling, and not to chocolate that comes specifically from Dubai.
The German Confectionery Industry Association (BDSI) also argued that “Dubai chocolate” could be produced anywhere in the world.
The Cologne court disagrees, but Aldi can still appeal.
MF/LO (AFP, EPD)
