A PYMNTS Company

Chocolate Giant Mondelez Under EU Investigation for Anti-Competitive Practices

By  |  October 12, 2025

The European Commission has launched a formal investigation into U.S.-based Mondelez International, examining whether the snack and confectionery giant violated European Union competition rules by restricting cross-border trade of its products. The probe centers on allegations that the company sought to prevent or limit sales of its goods between EU member states, according to Reuters.

    Get the Full Story

    Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required.

    yesSubscribe to our daily newsletter, PYMNTS Today.

    By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.

    EU regulators are focusing on practices related to the parallel trade of Mondelez’s chocolate, biscuits, and coffee products across the bloc. The company is a leading supplier in these markets, which together represent a multibillion-euro industry. The Commission stated that such restrictions, if proven, could result in higher prices for consumers by reducing the free flow of goods within the EU single market, per Reuters.

    European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said in a statement, “We are opening a formal investigation to see whether Mondelēz, a key producer of these products, might have restricted free competition in the markets concerned by implementing various practices hindering trade flows, ultimately leading to higher prices for consumers.”

    The Commission’s inquiry will assess whether Mondelez engaged in anti-competitive practices such as agreements that prevent traders from selling products in certain EU countries or those that inflate prices or limit quantities for cross-border sales. Investigators are also examining whether the company restricted packaging language options or refused to supply certain traders to block imports into specific national markets, according to Reuters.

    Mondelez, whose portfolio includes brands like Oreo, Milka, and Toblerone, said it intends to cooperate fully with the investigation and work constructively with EU authorities. If found guilty of breaching antitrust rules, the company could face penalties of up to 10 percent of its global turnover.

    Source: Reuters