Regulators have launched an investigation into allegations of price-fixing by some of the biggest makers of chocolate bars in Canada.
Officials from the Canadian divisions of Nestle, Cadbury, Hershey and Mars confirmed the probe is underway.
Canada's Competition Bureau said it was looking into chocolate products but the investigation could be widened to look into other types of sweets.
Canadians buy about £1.1bn worth of sweets and chocolate every year.
"We can confirm that we are investigating alleged anticompetitive practices in the chocolate confectionery industry," said the Competition Bureau's John Pecman.
"The volume of commerce affected here is definitely potentially in the billions of dollars per year."
A spokesman for Nestle in Canada confirmed that the Competition Bureau had been to the company's offices.
"I can confirm that the Competition Bureau has started an investigation of virtually all major chocolate producers in Canada," he added.
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