BRUSSELS — The European Commission has conducted unannounced searches at the offices of Ferrero as part of a antitrust investigation in the chocolate sector, said a spokesperson for the company said on Wednesday.

The Italian confectionery giant, the maker of Nutella and Kinder, confirmed the inspections following a European Commission announcement on Monday regarding raids in two EU countries.

“Ferrero is aware that on-site inspections are currently taking place in its offices by European Commission officials,” the company said in a statement. “The company is fully cooperating and providing the information requested.”

The raids come as Brussels has put increased focus on internal market barriers to trade, and in particular restrictions that limit where branded products can be sold in the EU internal market.

The Commission said on Monday that its investigation concerns possible market segmentation in the form of restrictions on the trade of goods between member states and obstacles to multi-country purchases.

In 2024, the Commission imposed a €337.5 million fine on Mondelēz International over cross-border trade restrictions.

The Commission was not immediately available for comment. Ferrero’s involvement was first reported by Bloomberg.