Mars, the maker of Mars bars, and Nestle, which makes Coffee Crisp, face charges from Canada's Competition Bureau. The companies said the allegations date back to 2007.
Canada's Competition Bureau has levelled charges of conspiracy and price fixing against three major players in the confectionary market that could land senior executives in jail and cost the companies millions of dollars in fines.
The charges are against Nestle Canada Inc., Mars Canada Inc. and ITWAL Ltd., a network of independent wholesale distributors.
Also charged are former Nestle Canada president Robert Leonidas; Sandra Martinez, former president of confectionary for Nestle Canada; and David Glenn Stevens, president and chief executive of ITWAL.
The companies and individuals are accused of conspiracy under the Competition Act.
Mars, the maker of Snickers, Twix and M&M's, and Nestle, whose candy bars include Coffee Crisp, Kit Kat and Aero, both said in separate statements that they intend to "vigorously defend" themselves against the charges. Both said the allegations date back to 2007 and earlier.
"Price-fixing is a serious criminal offence and today's charges demonstrate the Competition Bureau's resolve to stop cartel activity in Canada," said interim competition commissioner John Pec-man. "We are fully committed to pursuing those who engage in egregious anti-competitive behaviour that harms Canadian consumers."
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