Duff welcomes common sense victory for British Chocolate in Europe

12.00.00am GMT Tue 14th Mar 2000

European MPs in Strasbourg tomorrow are expected to give their backing to plans which allow the sale of British chocolate throughout Europe-beating off a last-ditch bid by Belgian and French interests to frustrate the move.

At the heart of the long-running debate has been the definition of 'chocolate'. Belgian and French manufacturers, whose chocolate is made almost entirely of cocoa butter, have argued that British chocolate is a form of flavoured vegetable oil.

Now a compromise has been confirmed that will permit the sale of British chocolate under the label 'Family Milk Chocolate'.

Andrew Duff, Liberal Democrat Euro-MP for Eastern England, has welcomed this as "A victory for the consumer and for common sense".

Mr Duff added:

"Consumers across Europe will now have the choice to decide for themselves what sort of chocolate they want to buy.

"No-one disputes that Belgian chocolate is a wonderful luxury product, but no-one makes such a wide variety of chocolate bars in so many different shapes as the British, which is why more chocolate is eaten here than anywhere in Europe."