Tchibo Appeals Court Ruling in Coffee Price Dispute with Aldi Süd
The Hamburg-based coffee producer challenges a decision allowing Aldi Süd to sell its private-label coffee at low prices, citing competition concerns.
- Tchibo has filed an appeal against a January ruling by the Düsseldorf Regional Court that dismissed its lawsuit against Aldi Süd over alleged below-cost coffee pricing.
- The court ruled that Aldi Süd's pricing strategy for its Barissimo coffee was legally permissible and part of a valid business model under German competition law.
- Tchibo claims Aldi Süd's pricing unfairly exploits a legal gap related to vertically integrated production, providing an advantage over traditional brands.
- Rising coffee bean costs have led Tchibo to increase its prices by 50 cents to 1 euro per pound, citing the need to support fair trade practices and quality sourcing.
- The case raises broader concerns among branded manufacturers about the growing dominance of private-label products in the retail market.
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