The lawsuit is inviting others affected by the packaging. Credit: Jennifer Wallace via Shutterstock.

American multinational confectionery company Hershey is facing a lawsuit filed by a group of consumers over deceptive packaging for its Reese’s Peanut Butter products, USA Today reported.  

In the lawsuit, lodged in a Southern Florida national court, Hershey is accused of misleading customers by displaying ‘carved-out artistic designs’ on the packaging, which are absent on the actual sweets.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

The plaintiffs, Nathan Vidal, Debra Kennick, Abdjul Martin, and Eduardo Granados, are representing themselves and potentially thousands of others who were influenced by the packaging to purchase the products. 

The complaint states that the packaging of several Reese’s products, including Reese’s Medal, Reese’s Peanut Butter Pumpkin, and others, falsely represented the sweets.

The plaintiffs argue that these designs were a significant factor in consumers’ purchasing decisions.  

See Also:

According to the complaint, the sweets inside the wrappers are ‘blank,’ contradicting the expectations set by the packaging.  

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

A statement from the complaint was quoted by USA Today as saying: “Hershey’s deceptive advertising is causing many consumers to purchase the products because of the cool and beautiful carved out designs on the products’ packaging, when they would have not purchased the products if they were truthfully advertised.”  

The current lawsuit invites other affected consumers to join the class action.  

The plaintiffs are seeking compensatory damages, with the exact amount to be determined at trial. 

Earlier this year, Hershey unveiled a new range of packaging designs for its Kisses milk chocolate products.