Tchibo is the coffee too cheap: trial against Aldi in the next round

After the legal defeat in the dispute over coffee prices, the Hamburg retail group Tchibo has announced that it will appeal against a judgment of the Düsseldorf Regional Court. This emerges from a message. In January, the district court had dismissed a Tchibos injunction against the Discounter Aldi Süd.

Tchibo had accused Aldi Süd with reference to antitrust and competition law that they had regularly offered coffee from the “Barissimo” own brand under manufacturing costs since the end of 2023. Tchibo wanted to have the discounter from Mülheim on the Ruhr to sell the coffee so cheaply.

The lawsuit was not justified after evaluating the court. Aldi Süd’s procedure is reasonable, said a court spokeswoman after the judgment. In this case, there is no danger that the competition will be affected. Also, no intention is recognizable to displace other companies from the market.

“The procedure is of fundamental importance and we see significant starting points for a successful calling,” said Tchibo spokesman, according to a message.

The coffee dealer had only increased prices a few days ago. Depending on the variety, customers have to pay more than 50 cents and 1 euro per pound, according to the company. Raw coffee has become much more scarce, the weather had caused weaker harvests and higher prices, said a Tchibo spokesman. In 2024 alone, raw coffee prices rose by around 70 percent.

Tchibo comments more openly about his prices than other providers. In contrast to many other coffee molars in its branches, the company sells its products directly to end users and can therefore also set their prices. Many other coffee dealers deliver their products to the food retail trade, which defines final prices.