Xenophobic Chocolatiers?

From the back of my package of Ferrero Rocher “Fine Hazelnut Chocolates”:

Packaged, labeled and sold exclusively for the enjoyment of U.S. consumers. Any distribution of sale of this product outside the United States and its territories is not authorized
So what gives? Does that mean I can’t send my friend in Australia a package? And what is the deal, anyway?



From an actual catalog: “Disco balls create an enchanting, dazzling effect of light shafts, adding movement and glamour to any occasion”
the Abrams’ bris was certainly memorable
O p a l C a t
www.opalcat.com

Notice it says “packaged, labeled and sold”, not “manufactured”. The distributor only has US distribution rights and rights outside the US belong to someone else.


“Sometimes I think the web is just a big plot to keep people like me away from normal society.” — Dilbert

Could it be becuase other places (e.g. the European union) have different standards for which products can be labelled “chocolate”, so someone selling it in another country would be, in effect, seeling a product incorrectly labelled?

Arnold’s got the answer right.
One additional clarification: the word “distribution” almost surely refers to commercial distribution. It would not apply to gifts–like sending the chocolate to a friend in Australia.

Yikes, I realized I mis-read Arnold’s post. So I will refine…it is a matter of labeling. The European countries may have different standards for what constitutes chocolate, but the more likely explanation is that different countries have different standards for what must be included on a label.

Yep, Arnold’s got it. You wouldn’t believe the crud they allow to be sold under the name “chocolate” in Canada. Almost pure hydrogenated palm oil flavoured with “chocolatey” artificial chemicals. That’s what the kids get for Easter up here. REAL chocolate is more expensive than gasoline and beer combined!

They’ve started selling your Canadian chocolate in the States for the last few years. Especially the foil wrapped kinds. Whenever we’re at my in-laws, I’ve always said “Oh, Canadian chocolates.” They don’t get it. But I don’t eat chocolates anymore, so now I don’t care. :slight_smile: