Authorities in Canada have charged the food giants Nestle and Mars, together with a network of independent wholesale distributors, in an alleged conspiracy to fix prices of chocolates.

The Competition Bureau in the capital Ottawa said it has uncovered "evidence" suggesting price-fixing.

Nestle Canada, Mars Canada, and the distributors ITWAL have been charged.

The Bureau said the Canadian division of the US confectionary company Hershey co-operated with its investigation.

Officials said Hershey Canada, an alleged co-conspirator, is expected to plead guilty at a hearing later this month in exchange for leniency.

"We are fully committed to pursuing those who engage in egregious anti-competitive behaviour that harms Canadian consumers," said John Pecman, Interim Commissioner of Competition.

"Price-fixing is a serious criminal offence and today's charges demonstrate the Competition Bureau's resolve to stop cartel activity in Canada," he added.