Coffee too cheap? Aldi Süd and Tchibo argue over prices - Tchibo sues Aldi Süd over cutthroat coffee pricing tactics
A legal battle over coffee pricing has reached the Higher Regional Court in Düsseldorf. Tchibo is accusing Aldi Süd of selling coffee too cheaply, claiming the discount chain’s prices violate competition law. The dispute comes as rising coffee costs have pushed up prices for German shoppers in recent years, with consumers now paying far more for their morning brew than they did a few years ago.
The conflict began when Tchibo took Aldi Süd to court, arguing that its low coffee prices were unfairly undercutting competitors. The Düsseldorf Regional Court initially ruled against Tchibo, finding that Aldi Süd’s pricing was commercially justifiable. Undeterred, Tchibo appealed, leading to the current hearing.
Aldi Süd has been selling some coffee varieties at a loss, with reports suggesting discounts of up to two euros per kilogram. Tchibo insists these prices harm fair competition and ultimately damage consumers. The case has drawn attention from industry experts, including Professor Rupprecht Podszun, who views it as a sign of changing power balances in the coffee market.
The Higher Regional Court must now decide whether Aldi Süd’s coffee pricing breaks competition rules. A ruling in Tchibo’s favour could force changes to how discount retailers set prices. The outcome may also influence future disputes over fair trading in the grocery sector.
