A Frankfurt court has ruled in favor of Lidl, allowing them to sell their Dubai chocolate, which has sparked discussions about Aldi’s similar legal issues. The dispute centers on the authenticity of the product’s labeling, as it doesn’t originate from Dubai. While Lidl’s marketing was deemed less misleading, Aldi Süd faces a ban on their Dubai chocolate produced in Turkey. The case remains open for appeal, with further legal actions anticipated from both parties.
Frankfurt Court Ruling Favors Lidl’s Dubai Chocolate
The discount supermarket chain Lidl can continue to sell its Dubai chocolate, as ruled by the Frankfurt Regional Court. This decision raises questions about whether Aldi might receive a similar outcome in their ongoing legal challenges.
Legal Dispute Over Chocolate Origins
Lidl’s Dubai chocolate, available under its Deluxe brand in both milk and dark varieties, has been at the center of a legal debate since late last year. The lawsuit, initiated by chocolate importer Andreas Wilmers, concerns the authenticity of the product’s labeling, as it does not actually originate from Dubai.
Wilmers argues that consumers could be misled if a product is marketed as “Dubai chocolate” when it lacks genuine ties to the region. In contrast, the Frankfurt judges determined that the term “Dubai” has become more of a generic descriptor rather than a strict geographic indicator. They noted that customers are not likely to assume that all components of the chocolate are sourced from Dubai.
In a separate but related situation, Aldi Süd faced a prohibition on selling its version of Dubai chocolate, which was produced in Turkey. This ruling came from the Cologne Regional Court, which mandates that products labeled as “Dubai chocolate” must either be produced in Dubai or have a legitimate connection to the location.
The Frankfurt judges, however, did not fully endorse this reasoning, highlighting distinct differences in the labeling and marketing strategies of Lidl and Aldi Süd. They pointed out that Lidl’s product features entirely German labels and lacks elements suggesting an origin from Dubai, thereby reducing the likelihood of consumer confusion.
The ruling remains open for appeal, and Wilmers is currently considering his options. Meanwhile, Aldi Süd is contesting the sales ban imposed by the Cologne Regional Court, though they have chosen not to comment on the Lidl case directly.