EU Launches Antitrust Raids Against Nutella Maker Ferrero
The European Commission has launched unannounced antitrust inspections at the offices of Ferrero, the Italian confectionery giant and maker of Nutella. The raids, which targeted two EU sites, are part of a broader investigation into the company’s established selling practices within the Single Market.
- The European Commission is conducting on-site inspections at two Ferrero locations.
- The probe focuses on suspected market segmentation and restrictions on the trade of goods between EU Member States.
- Ferrero has confirmed it is aware of the inspections and is fully cooperating with authorities.
- The investigation follows a precedent in the chocolate sector, including a significant 2024 penalty against Mondelez.
Inside the European Commission’s Investigation
On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, Ferrero announced that it is cooperating with European Commission officials currently carrying out on-site inspections. These raids were initially reported by the EU as targeting an “unnamed company active in the chocolate sector” before Ferrero was identified as the firm at the center of the probe.
The Commission’s primary focus is on suspected anticompetitive practices. Specifically, officials are investigating “possible market segmentation in the form of restrictions on the trade of goods between Member States in the Single Market and obstacles to multi-country purchases,” according to Confectionery Production.
Understanding Market Segmentation and Trade Restrictions
In the context of EU antitrust law, market segmentation occurs when a company restricts where its products can be sold or purchased within the European Single Market. The EU prohibits “cartels or restrictive business practices” that hinder the free movement of goods. If a company prevents a distributor in one Member State from selling products in another, it can be viewed as an illegal obstacle to trade.
unannounced inspections are a preliminary investigatory step. The European Commission has clarified that carrying out these raids does not mean the company is guilty of anticompetitive behavior, nor does it prejudge the final outcome of the investigation.
A Pattern in the Confectionery Sector: The Mondelez Precedent
This investigation is not an isolated event for the chocolate industry. The EU has previously taken aggressive action against other major players for similar infringements. In 2024, Mondelez was forced to pay more than €337 million following allegations that it breached rules regarding the restriction of product sales within other EU nations. That case resulted in the discovery of 22 distinct trading infringements across the continent.
Ferrero’s Response and Corporate Standing
Ferrero has maintained a public stance of full compliance. The company stated it is aware of the inspections and is cooperating with the authorities to resolve the matter.
The current probe is seen as unusual given Ferrero’s general corporate reputation. The company has previously received praise for its operating and environmental standards, having ranked highly on the WWF scorecard for industry performance.
As the European Commission continues its review of Ferrero’s business practices, the industry will be watching to see if the company faces penalties similar to those levied against Mondelez, or if the preliminary inspections will conclude without formal charges.
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