Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Nestlé announces return of much-loved chocolate bar after fans were left outraged when it was axed – but you’ll need to be quick

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Nestlé have announced a limited return of Caramac, but fans will have to be quick to get their hands on the sweet treat.

The caramel-flavoured chocolate bar is set to make a comeback to UK supermarkets, giving fans one more chance to enjoy the confectionery.

Caramac first appeared on shelves in 1959, making it a staple for Generation X and beyond. Confectionery firm Mackintosh’s first created the brand, before Nestle took it over in 1988.

However, in November 2023, Nestlé announced its plans to scrap the popular chocolate bar, leaving fans disappointed.

Now, in a turn of events, the confectionery treat will be available in retailers nationwide from 23 July, but fans will need to quick because it’s only while stocks last.

Nestlé have revealed its plans to bring back a popular chocolate bar after discontinuing it in November last year 

Fans can indulge on the Caramac range, which will include a classic single bar, a multipack, and a sharing bag of Caramac buttons.

Nestlé said the decision to reintroduce the much-loved chocolate bar came after feedback from upset fans after news broke of Caramac’s discontinuation in November.

After 64 years, the bar – which is made from condensed milk and treacle and doesn’t contain chocolate – was discontinued due to declining sales. 

However, the brand wanted to give fans another chance to enjoy the treat for a limited period of time.

Lisa Butterworth, Chocolate Classics Brand Manager for Nestlé UK & Ireland, said: ‘The calls for the return of Caramac were heard loud and clear, and for this unique bar we wanted to create a special opportunity for fans to enjoy it once more.’

‘We hope that this limited release gives people the opportunity to savour and stock up on Caramac as a gesture of our appreciation for the longstanding support of our confectionery fans throughout the years.’

The brand claimed that waving goodbye to Caramac has allowed for innovation in new product development.

Since the bar’s discontinuation, Nestlé introduced several new products, including Munchies Cookie Dough and Milkybar Raspberry Ripple pieces, and KitKat Chunky White with Lotus Biscoff.

Nestlé's Caramac (pictured) will be available to customers in UK stores nationwide from 22 July

Nestlé’s Caramac (pictured) will be available to customers in UK stores nationwide from 22 July 

When news broke of Caramac’s discontinuation, a Nestle spokesman told MailOnline ‘We are very sorry to disappoint fans of Caramac.

‘There has been a steady decline in its sales over the past few years and we had to make the difficult decision to discontinue it.

‘We know fans will be disappointed to see it go, but this change will enable us to focus on our best-performing brands, as well as develop exciting new innovations to delight our consumers’ tastebuds.’

At the time, one outraged user on X, formerly known as Twitter, questioned: ‘Caramac being discontinued Is this some sort of sick joke???’ alongside crying emojis.

The brand responded: ‘We’re sorry to hear you’re disappointed. Unfortunately, it wasn’t as popular as others in the range, so it’s been discontinued’.

Another person wrote ‘woke up to the news that Caramac is being discontinued and it quite frankly has ruined my day’. 

The confectionary company said that the discontinuation of Caramac has allowed for innovation in new products

The confectionary company said that the discontinuation of Caramac has allowed for innovation in new products 

The announcement prompted one fan to reminisce on their childhood, writing: ‘My earliest memory of Caramac was having a Caramac Easter egg as a kid, contained two (maybe three) bars. Eating the whole lot at once and being so sick.’

Despite the brand claiming the bar is not as popular as other treats, many took to social media to ask Nestle to rethink its decision.

One woman pleaded: ‘@NestleUK Very very disappointed that Caramac will soon be unavailable to buy.

‘I buy a pack of four every week with my food shop. I hope if enough people complain maybe will reconsider?’

One angry chocolate lover wrote: ‘Nestle have discontinued the Caramac and I am going to riot’.

The forgotten bars of yesteryear: Other popular chocolates which fell by the wayside…

Mars Delight: 2004-2008

Only 18 people have signed a petition to support the reintroduction of Mars Delight bars

Only 18 people have signed a petition to support the reintroduction of Mars Delight bars

On May 15, 2020 Elizabeth Oliver launched a petition to bring back Mars Delight. 

She wrote: ‘I believe this is one of the best chocolate bars that I have ever tasted and the dismay I felt when Mars took the decision to stop the production of one of my most savoured treats.

‘I, with the support of those who share this passion for the chocolate that I love so much hope that Mars will bring the production of this amazing chocolate bar back (or at the very least a box I can get hold of).’

Unfortunately, only 25 people have signed her petition so far .  

Time Out: 1992-2016

A petition to bring back Time Out bars has been supported by 210 people

A petition to bring back Time Out bars has been supported by 210 people 

Time Out bars were on the shelves for just shy of a quarter of a century before they were withdrawn in the year of Brexit. 

Taaha Rehman wants the snack returned to the shops and has launched his own petition. He wrote: ‘The birth of my first child, my wedding day, making my first million; all are moments that can be dwarfed by the magnitude of the might [original] timeout bar.

‘The delicious, smokey, wafer laced with chocolate inside sandwiched by another layer of the famous Cadbury chocolate, ment a bite of this wasn’t a snack but, an experience. To call it a mear chocolate bar is itself a form of mild sacrilege.’ 

Unfortunately, only 210 people share his view.  

Cadbury Spira: 1989-2005

Carla Jack in September 2018 launched her petition to bring back the Cadbury Spira bar

Carla Jack in September 2018 launched her petition to bring back the Cadbury Spira bar

Carla Jack in September 2018 launched her petition to bring back the Cadbury Spira bar. 

She wrote: ‘I think its time Cadbury started bringing back some of its golden oldies. I remember going swimming with school and using my locker money after to buy spira for the bus back to school. It was a classic, along side marble, dream and taz bars. Cadbury need to bring back some of these classics, lets see if there is anyone out there who feels the same.’

Unfortunately, only 280 people share her opinion.  

Cadbury Snowflake: 2000-2008 

Almost 7,300 people support the reintroduction of the Cadbury's Snow Flake bar

Almost 7,300 people support the reintroduction of the Cadbury’s Snow Flake bar

John Malogony launched his petition to bring back the Cadbury Snow Flake in June 2018. 

His appeal has been far more successful in attracting support than for those seeking the return of the other snacks. 

He wrote: ‘In 2008 Cadbury broke hearts by discontinuing the Snow Flake (or Flake Snow). The bizarre decision still baffles people to this day and it needs to be rectified.

‘Say it with me now: BRING. IT. BACK! BRING. IT. BACK!’

He has attracted 7,257 supporters, though this probably is not enough for Cadbury’s to reintroduce the product. 

Cadbury Aztec 1967-1978

The Aztec consisted of nougat and caramel, coated with milk chocolate, and was packaged in a deep purple wrapper

The Aztec consisted of nougat and caramel, coated with milk chocolate, and was packaged in a deep purple wrapper

The Aztec was a chocolate bar manufactured by Cadbury’s from 1967.

It consisted of nougat and caramel, coated with milk chocolate, and was packaged in a deep purple wrapper.

Cadbury’s introduced the Aztec to rival the Mars Bar, but it was taken off the market in 1978.

There was a brief revival in 2000 with the Aztec 2000, but it was once again discontinued shortly after. 

Cadbury Dairy Milk Marble 1976-2012

Dairy Milk Marble, which features a milk chocolate and white chocolate blend with a hazelnut praline centre is only available in Australia, having been discontinued in 2012

Dairy Milk Marble, which features a milk chocolate and white chocolate blend with a hazelnut praline centre is only available in Australia, having been discontinued in 2012

Despite being discontinued over a decade ago, B&M reintroduced the Dairy Milk Marble as a limited-time offering last year. Unfortunately, it did not become a permanent addition. 

Dairy Milk Marble was reportedly the number one request across Cadbury’s Australian social media channels after it went off sale – and a petition to bring it back received over 20,000 signatures.

‘Marble fans asked, and we’ve listened! It’s the chocolate Cadbury fans have been demanding we bring back and we’re so excited to see it return into people’s homes and we wanted to ensure that they heard this great news first,’ said Cadbury Marketing Manager Katrina Watson.

The treat, which features a milk chocolate and white chocolate blend with a hazelnut praline centre is only available in Australia, having been discontinued in 2012. 

Milky Way Crispy Rolls: 1994-2022

Milky Way Crispy Rolls, manufactured by Mars Wrigley UK, added crunchy wafer rolls to the classic, creamy Milky Way

Milky Way Crispy Rolls, manufactured by Mars Wrigley UK, added crunchy wafer rolls to the classic, creamy Milky Way

Over 8,400 people signed a petition to save Milky Way Crispy Rolls after they vanished from supermarket shelves last year – however, this was unsuccessful.

The retro chocolate bar, manufactured by Mars Wrigley UK, added crunchy wafer rolls to the classic, creamy Milky Way.

It was produced for a total of 24 years before being discontinued in 2022.

KitKat Caramac: 2005-2007

A seamless blend of two favourite chocolate bars, the KitKat Caramac combined the KitKat's wafer with a sugary caramel coating

A seamless blend of two favourite chocolate bars, the KitKat Caramac combined the KitKat’s wafer with a sugary caramel coating

A seamless blend of two favourite chocolate bars, the KitKat Caramac combined the KitKat’s wafer with a sugary caramel coating.

The limited edition chocolate bar was sold in 2005 and 2007, but hasn’t been seen since.

Fox’s Echo Bar: 2001-2011

Fox's Echo Bar made its debut in the early 2000s, but was discontinued after a few years

Fox’s Echo Bar made its debut in the early 2000s, but was discontinued after a few years

Fox’s Echo Bar made its debut in the early 2000s, but was discontinued after a few years.

It included a combination of milk and white chocolate atop a crispy biscuit base. Additionally, a mint version was available.

Following the discontinuation of the bar some 12 years ago, Fox introduced the Velvety Bar as a replacement, although it didn’t manage to win over fans. 

Cadbury Taz Bar: 1994-1998

The 90s cartoon character, created in milk chocolate and caramel, was released alongside a relaunch of the Freddo bars in 1994

The 90s cartoon character, created in milk chocolate and caramel, was released alongside a relaunch of the Freddo bars in 1994

Similar to the Freddo bar available today, the slab of Cadbury chocolate used to resemble Loony Tunes character, Taz The Tasmanian Devil.

The 90s cartoon character, created in milk chocolate and caramel, was released alongside a relaunch of the Freddo Bar in 1994.

Although it was a popular choice for pocket money treats, being priced at 5p, the Taz Bar was discontinued after a few years.

Cadbury Nuts About Caramel: 1999-2003 

The milk chocolate, filled with smooth caramel and whole hazelnuts, provided a twist on the classic caramel version

The milk chocolate, filled with smooth caramel and whole hazelnuts, provided a twist on the classic caramel version

The original Nuts About Caramel chocolate bar launched in 1999 and remained on shelves for four years.

The milk chocolate, filled with smooth caramel and whole hazelnuts, provided a twist on the classic caramel version. 

However, it disappeared in 2003. 

Cadbury Fuse: 1996-2006

Fuse became Cadbury's fastest selling bar since the debut of Wispa in 1983

Fuse became Cadbury’s fastest selling bar since the debut of Wispa in 1983

Launched in 1996, the Cadbury Fuse was a regular feature in lunchboxes until 2006, when it was discontinued in the UK. 

The Fuse Bar incorporated milk chocolate, nuts, raisins, cereal and fudge pieces. 

Fuse became Cadbury’s fastest selling bar since the debut of Wispa in 1983.

A substantial marketing campaign lead to a nationwide launch of the product on ‘FuseDay’ – Tuesday, 24 September, 1996. 

Cadbury Dream: 2001-2002

Cadbury Dream is still manufactured in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa

Cadbury Dream is still manufactured in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa

Cadbury’s Dream chocolate bar, made with real cocoa butter, gained a dedicated fanbase in the early 2000s.

However, despite its popularity, the treat was discontinued shortly after its 2001 launch.

It was reintroduced as Cadbury White in 2019, but struggled to attract a larger following. 

Cadbury Dream is still manufactured in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

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