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Ritter Sport and Nivea implement strategic changes in Germany
Ritter Sport is removing sustainability claims from its packaging, replacing the statement ‘100% certified sustainable cocoa sourcing’ with weight information and ‘no added flavor’ labels. The company cited the upcoming EU Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition (EmpCo) directive, which takes effect in Germany on September 27, 2026, as the reason for the change. The directive aims to prevent greenwashing by requiring environmental claims to be more specific and verifiable.
Separately, Nivea is undergoing a strategic shift after losing market share due to a failed attempt to reposition the brand as a premium segment product. To combat declining sales and competition, the brand is returning to its roots as an affordable everyday product. This includes introducing new products, such as deodorants, to discount retailers like Aldi and Lidl.
Entities
After Eight · Aldi · Beiersdorf · Delitzscher Schokoladenfabrik · European Union · Germany · Halloren Schokoladenfabrik · LIDL · Nestlé · Nivea · Ritter Sport
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Caramel Flavour will be a permanent addition, while Orange and Raspberry will be limited editions.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The company is introducing a revised packaging design for the entire After Eight range.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Nestlé is expanding the After Eight product line with three new non-mint flavors starting in September.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The recommended retail price for a 200-gram pack is 3.99 euros.
- [● 2 SOURCES] German chocolate manufacturers in Saxony have criticized Nestlé's move, accusing them of copying smaller competitors.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The new flavors include Caramel Flavour (milk chocolate), Orange (dark chocolate), and Raspberry (dark chocolate).