Time running out for Canadians to claim money in chocolate settlement
Sweet-toothed Canadians could claim money from a class-action lawsuit settlement against a chocolate company, but the deadline is coming up soon.
The class-action lawsuit involves Chocmod Canada Inc. over allegations that the company falsely represented where its Truffettes de France Products were made. The company is owned by Chocmod, a family business founded in 1948 in northern France and is known for its truffles, marshmallows, coated candies, and other products.
The company has agreed to a $300,000 settlement that will cover legal fees and will be paid to class members, and the claims deadline is on Nov. 4, 2026.
The allegations
Joanna K Drakos/Shutterstock
A settlement agreement filed at the Superior Court of Quebec claims that Chocmod allegedly marketed and sold the Truffettes de France products in Canada “in a misleading way.”
“Specifically, by indicating they were made in France when they were allegedly manufactured in Canada,” states the document.
Actis Law Group, which is the lead counsel in the class action, alleges that Chocmod falsely and prominently marketed, advertised, promoted, packaged, labelled, sold, and/or presented the Truffettes de France as truffles manufactured in France and imported from France, when they were in fact produced in Canada.
actislaw.org
“Through the use of French branding, imagery, and representations, the Defendant has deliberately misled consumers into believing that the Truffettes de France Products are authentic French truffles made in France, thereby capitalizing on the reputation of French chocolate craftsmanship to increase sales,” states the site.
The lawsuit alleges that consumers were misled into paying more for the truffles because they believed the products were made in France. It also states that the truffles’ history and French origin influenced consumers’ willingness to pay a higher price.
“They relied on the Defendant’s representation on the front label of the product packaging and paid a premium price than they would otherwise have,” reads the statement.
Chocmod has denied all wrongdoing, and no court has made any finding of liability. The company has agreed to a $300,000 settlement, and said it will make changes to the branding and labelling of the Truffettes de France products in Canada.
Are you eligible?
actislaw.org
You could be eligible if you live in Canada and purchased any Truffettes de France Products in Canada between April 7, 2022 and Sept. 5, 2026. The products that are part of the class action include any Truffettes de France products bearing the phrase “Truffettes de France” on their label, including:
- Original Cocoa Truffles
- Milk Chocolate Truffles
- Milk & Hazelnut Truffles
- Milk & Almond Truffles
- Salted Caramel Cocoa Truffles
- Coffee Crunch Truffles
- Cognac Champagne Truffles
- Organic Original Truffles
- Organic Caramel Cocoa Truffles
- Raspberry Flavoured Cocoa Truffles
- French Mallows
- 70 per cent Cacao Truffles
- Pépites Truffles
- Double Coated Truffles
How much could you receive?
actislaw.org
The $300,000 settlement will cover legal and administration costs, and the remaining amount will be distributed to eligible class members.
You could receive up to $3 per product for up to three products (maximum $9) without proof of purchase. However, you could receive more if you can provide proof of purchase.
According to the settlement website, payments may be adjusted depending on how many valid claims are submitted, with each person receiving a maximum of $18. Payments will be sent by e-transfer.
Remaining funds will be donated to Canadian non-profits Food Secure Canada and Dans la rue.
What should you do next?
If you’re eligible, you should submit a valid claim form before the claims deadline on Wednesday, Nov. 4.
For every claim, you must state how many Truffettes de France Products you purchased and confirm that you purchased them in Canada.
Visit the settlement website for more information.
Eligible Canadians also have until Oct. 21 to file a claim in the class-action lawsuit regarding CIBC and Renaissance Mutual Funds.