Hershey's Stops Import of British-Made Chocolates, Claims UK Candy Resembles US Cadbury, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups & York Peppermint Patty

British chocolate fans will be disappointed to know that British-made chocolates will not be sold in the U.S. any longe as part of a deal brokered by Hershey's and a distributer.

Hershey's reached a deal with candy distributor Let's Buy British Imports, or L.B.B., after Hershey's sued the company for importing British-made chocolates that resembled Hershey's-made American candies as well as Hershey's-made British candies, according to The New York Times.

The chocolate company has a license to make Cadbury chocolates, like Dairy Milk and the well-known Crème Eggs; however, its recipe is very different from the British-made chocolates. The ones made in the U.K. use a lot more fat whereas the ones made in the U.S. use a lot more sugar.

Hershey's argued L.B.B. infringed on its trademark and dress licensing by importing Cadbury products to the U.S. for the American market. The import company has also said it would not ship Toffee Crisps, Yorkie chocolate bars and Maltesers. Hershey's says Toffee Crisps has similar wrapping to Reese's Cups and Yorkies infringe on the York peppermint patty.

"It is important for Hershey to protect its trademark rights and to prevent consumers from being confused or misled when they see a product name or product package that is confusingly similar to a Hershey name or trade dress," said Jeff Beckman, a representative for Hershey's.

The loss of authentic British chocolate could prove a blow to British and Irish expats in the States as well as stores that cater to them and other lovers of British chocolates.

Tea & Sympathy in Greenwich Village in New York City could potentially lose a lot of business since most of their trade is British chocolate, according to DNAinfo.

"You know what's behind it, right?" said Nicky Perry, the shop's owner. "Hershey's doesn't want people to eat Cadbury's because Cadbury's is so much better. People aren't going to be buying their filth."

Other shop owners have expressed similar concerns. However, some fans of British chocolate have banded together and began a MoveOn.org petition online to convince Hershey's to allow the sale of British chocolate. The petition has more than 12,000 signatures.