Authorities in Canada have charged the food giants Nestle and Mars, together with a network of independent wholesale distributors, in an alleged conspiracy to fix prices of chocolates.

chocolates.
The Competition Bureau in the capital Ottawa
said it has uncovered "evidence" suggesting
price-fixing.
Nestle Canada, Mars Canada, and the
distributors ITWAL have been charged.
The Bureau said the Canadian division of the US
confectionary company Hershey co-operated with
its investigation.
Officials said Hershey Canada, an alleged co-
conspirator, is expected to plead guilty at a
hearing later this month in exchange for
leniency.
"We are fully committed to pursuing those who
engage in egregious anti-competitive behaviour
that harms Canadian consumers," said John
Pecman, Interim Commissioner of Competition.
"Price-fixing is a serious criminal offence and
today's charges demonstrate the Competition
Bureau's resolve to stop cartel activity in
Canada," he added.
'Vigorous defence'
Mars Canada said in a statement: "Mars Canada
intends to vigorously defend itself against these
allegations. It is Mars Canada's policy not to
comment on pending litigation and we are
therefore unable to make any additional
comments in relation to this matter, which is
now before the court."
Three individuals have also been charged as part
of the investigation.
They are former Nestle Canada president Robert
Leonidas; Sandra Martinez, former president of
confectionery for Nestle Canada; and David
Glenn Stevens, president and chief executive of
ITWAL.