Lidl forced to melt chocolate bunnies because they're 'too similar' to Lindt

A court has ordered for Lidl to melt all of their chocolate bunnies sold in Switzerland because they're 'too similar' to the original Lindt version.

I mean, just picturing the look on the bunny's face as it's being melted into a chocolate sauce is enough to ruin anyone's Easter.

Anyway, Lindt claims that their gold-wrapped Easter rabbit should have its own copyright protection to avoid supermarkets such as Lidl creating similar looking products.

For context, Lidl's bunny has a green bow and bell, whereas, Lindt's bunny has a red bow and bell.

Lidl

Well, last year, the commercial court of Switzerland actually sided with Lidl, but have now agreed to overturn the ruling.

As a result, the court concluded that the chocolate shouldn't be wasted and melting it could be a suitable solution.

"Destruction is proportionate, especially as it does not necessarily mean that the chocolate as such would have to be destroyed," it said in a summary of its verdict on Thursday.

Lidl clarified that only its bunnies sold in Switzerland are being discontinued, and it will still continue to sell them in the UK and other countries.

Sainsburys

Lidl recently announced it is increasing pay rates for all store and warehouse workers.

On 22 September, the supermarket giant announced plans for a £39.5 million investment into staff salaries.

So from 1 October, Lidl will increase entry-level rates from £10.10 to £10.90 an hour outside London.

Also within the M25, wages are set to increase from £11.30 to £11.95 per hour.

Lidl's 23,500 plus employees will get a pay rise, with a full-time worker earning around £2,000 more a year.

The raise has increased between 10 percent and 14.5 percent since this time last year and means that 40 percent of hourly paid staff will be earning £12 an hour as a result.

For example, nightshift premium will also increase from £2 an hour to £3, which happens to be the second increase to pay rates that Lidl has introduced this year.

Rob Cousins / Alamy Stock Photo

Chief executive Ryan McDonnell said: “We have introduced these rate increases to reflect the key role and tireless efforts of our incredible colleagues working in our 935 stores and 13 warehouses.

“The role that we as a discounter play in giving households access to good, affordable food cannot be underestimated, now more than ever.

“But the ongoing commitment and dedication of our colleagues in making it all possible for our customers cannot be underestimated either.

“Our business simply would not run without them.”