The capsule has a bitter taste for radio and television presenter Arthur who, along with a group of investors, has just taken legal action against the “king of pods” Nespresso, an offshoot of the powerful Swiss agri-food group Nestlé.
Confirming information from Swiss daily 24 hoursFrançois Besse, the small screen star’s lawyer, indicates that the procedure aims to claim 280 million Swiss francs (298 million euros) in damages from Nespresso in the context of the bankruptcy of Ethical Coffee Company (ECC).
Founded in 2008 by a former Nespresso executive, with the aim of “marketing cheaper, biodegradable capsules” compatible with the coffee machines of his former employer, ECC brings together eleven creditors – including Arthur (who had invested €8 million in it). euros to increase its stake to 5%).
In 2011, ECC launched its pods in Switzerland but they were only marketed “a few days”, according to the daily 24 hoursNespresso quickly took legal action to protect its brand.
In 2014, the small company obtained the lifting of the ban on marketing its pods but, “other competitors having meanwhile rushed into the market”, says Maître Besse, and had to cease its activity in 2017 before its bankruptcy is declared in 2018.
Contacted by AFP, the Nespresso brand indicated “having become aware of this case”, while specifying that it did not wish to make comments on current procedures.