Godiva Chocolatier Inc. has settled claims by consumers who alleged the marketing phrase “Belgium 1926" made them think the Pennsylvania-produced confections are manufactured in Belgium, court filings show.
New Yorker Steve Hesse and Californian Adam Buxbaum alleged they overpaid for Godiva chocolates, believing they were luxury confections imported from Belgium. Belgium is widely regarded as producing some of the highest quality chocolates in the world, they said.
Godiva argued consumers wouldn’t be deceived because the statement means it was founded in Belgium in the year 1926, and is a factually accurate phrase that imparts an unambiguous and historically accurate message. ...