German officials investigating possible chocolate price-fixing have raided the offices of some of Europe's biggest confectionary companies.
Nestle and Mars confirmed that competition officials visited their German headquarters last Thursday.
Other chocolate companies, including Kraft and Ritter, are also involved, according to the Financial New Czech social system takes effect, people pay health care fees ...
Greenhouse clue to water on Mars ... Times.
It reported that the investigation was prompted when several firms raised their prices at around the same time.
The companies said the rises were in response to a steep increase in the price of cocoa.
"There have been, worldwide, hefty increases in the price of cocoa. That naturally leads to the adapting of prices," Nestle spokesman Francois Perroud said.
Canadian investigation
It is the second recent investigation into the chocolate industry.
Last November, Canadian regulators launched an investigation into allegations of price-fixing.
Canada's Competition Bureau said it was looking into chocolate products but the investigation could be widened to look into other types of sweets.
(BBC)
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