Ghirardelli Classic White Chips and Other Ghirardelli Products

January 2016: The Narkin appeal was voluntarily dismissed, the reasons for which have not been disclosed.

August 2015: The Ference appeal was dismissed because the objector failed to respond to a June 2015 court order.

March 2015: Two objectors filed Notices of Appeal regarding the approval of the settlement. Click on the links below to see the Notices.

• Ference Notice of Appeal
• Narkin Notice of Appeal

February 2015: A federal judge granted final approval of this settlement.

October 2014: A federal judge preliminarily approved the settlement, which, in addition to providing cash refunds to consumers, also allows the plaintiffs to amend their complaint to include allegations that the company misleadingly represents that its products are “natural” when they actually contain unnatural ingredients. A final fairness hearing will be held on February 19, 2015.

August 2014: The parties moved for preliminary approval of a $5.25 million settlement to a false advertising class-action lawsuit against Ghirardelli Chocolate Company. The complaint, which was originally filed in 2012, alleges, among other things, that the company represents its products – including the Ghirardelli® Chocolate Premium Baking Chips – are “chocolate” when they actually do not contain any chocolate at all. According to the settlement terms, class members with proof of purchase may receive a $1.50 refund for each purchase of White Chips and a $0.75 refund for each purchase of any other product labeled as “All Natural.” (Miller et al v. Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, Case No. 12-cv-04936, N. D. CA.).

For more information about chocolate, click here.