Mondelēz has been fined €337.5m (£287m) for anti-competitive practices, as it illegally prevented retailers from sourcing chocolate bars from a cheaper EU state.

The confectionery manufacturer, whose portfolio includes popular brands such as Oreo, Cadbury and Toblerone, was found to have participated in 22 unfair trade practices by imposing restrictions on retailers, wholesalers and shoppers.

The Ritz crackers manufacturer’s actions restricted 11 distributors from purchasing products up to 40% cheaper or selling into a market where they could get a higher price for their product.

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EU competition commissioner Margrethe Vestager said this was done by “making sales such as either by imposing contractual restrictions or by asking them to request permission on a case-by-case basis”, reported The Guardian.

Vestager added that the investigation, which started in 2019, found Mondelēz had “illegally restricted retailers from sourcing these products from member states where prices are lower”, to protect its higher prices.

“It is blatantly illegal. This case is about the price of groceries, which is a key concern to European citizens – and even more obvious in times of very high inflation, where many are in a cost of living crisis. This harmed consumers who ended up paying more for chocolates, biscuits and coffee.”

Vestager called the breaches “very serious”, but acknowledged Mondelēz had cooperated with the investigation, so reduced the fine by 15%. The commissioner added that Mondelēz stopped its illegal practices in 2020.