News

16th January 2002

Chocolate wars again

Conservative Consumer Spokesman in the European Parliament, John Bowis MEP, is calling on Spain and Italy to abide by the rules and lift their ban on British chocolate, following the Advocate General's advice to the European Court.

Speaking in Strasbourg today, Mr Bowis said:

"British Conservative MEPs had won the battle in the European Parliament to permit British chocolate to be sold throughout the EU. The Commission and Council of Ministers agreed with us. It is unacceptable that Spain and Italy should flout this democratic decision, which their governments endorsed at the time.

"We respect absolutely the right of Belgian, Spanish and Italian chocolatiers to make and market their stronger chocolate. We enjoy their products. But they must give our products the same market access. Spain is now entering the Presidency of the European Union. It would be a pity if this were to be marked by their unwillingness to accept this clear legal advice to the Court."

Note: The issue of British chocolate was that up to 5% of the content is permitted to be non-cocoa ingredients, such as palm and mango oils, which makes for the softer texture preferred by many consumers, particularly with milk chocolate. The same applies to makers in Ireland, Denmark, Portugal, Sweden and Finland. All other countries, including France and Belgium have accepted the Parliament's decision that both chocolate making traditions were permissible and that it should be for consumers to decide which they preferred.