Nestlé, the owner of Nespresso, has reached an agreement with France’s antitrust authorities (paywall) to extend the warranty on its single-serve coffee machines—even when customers use third-party pods. As part of the settlement, Nespresso will also remove warnings on its machines and capsules that previously claimed only its own pods should be used. The reality is, those claims were not entirely accurate.
This comes after years of legal disputes over Nespresso’s aggressive strategy to protect its market. The company attempted to block the sale of competing capsules in the UK, and engaged in similar battles in Germany in 2012 and 2013. Conflicts also unfolded in Switzerland, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands—most of which Nestlé ultimately lost.
This agreement marks the end of a four-year legal battle between Nestlé, DE Master Blenders, and Ethical Coffee Company, and may pave the way for similar rulings in other countries.
We believe this is a positive outcome for consumers, small roasters, and local businesses—particularly if similar regulations are introduced in Australia. EspressoLand is an Australian small business offering a wide selection of premium coffee capsules compatible with major systems.
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