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That's a wrap on iconic Aussie favourite

<p>Allen's Sweets have confirmed the end of production of the iconic Fantales, after being on Aussie shelves for almost a century. </p> <p>Manufacturer Nestlé made the shock announcement on Tuesday that the chocolate-coated caramels would stop being produced in July. </p> <p>The decision to pull the fan favourite lollies from shelves follows a rapid decline in sales and the need for significant and expensive upgrades to continue to make Fantales at Nestlé’s Melbourne confectionery factory, the company said.</p> <p>“We know our decision to stop making Fantales will be sad news for many people,” Nestlé Oceania Confectionery General Manager Andrew Lawrey said in a statement.</p> <p>“Many of us grew up with Fantales and have fond memories of them."</p> <p>“Despite the sense of nostalgia Fantales evoke, unfortunately people simply aren’t buying them as often as they used to.”</p> <p>Confirming the news that sales of the iconic sweet have dropped, experienced IGA shelf stacker Claudia Byatt says, "I worked at IGA for 5 years. They do not sell. And girl fr [for real], no one is buying Minties either."</p> <p>Despite the lack of sales, experienced Fantales eater Natasha Clarke fired back, "I buy them and i'm who matters!!"</p> <p>Lawrey went on to say the equipment needed to make Fantales needs significant investment.</p> <p>“It’s become increasingly difficult to get the parts we need to maintain it, and with declining sales, replacing it isn’t viable,” Mr Lawrey said.</p> <p>Fantales were first created in 1930, when the Golden Age of Hollywood saw people flocking to the cinema. </p> <p>To ride the wave of movie magic, the delectable chewy caramels were wrapped with ‘fan tales’ of actors and musicians on its wrappers, to the delight of quiz fans and "fun fact" enthusiasts. </p> <p>Mr Lawrey wanted to assure those with a sweet tooth that other Allen's favourites are here to stay. </p> <p>“While investment in the future of Fantales is not sustainable, we’re continuing to invest in our other Allen’s lollies, including fan favourites such as Snakes Alive, Party Mix and Minties,” Mr Lawrey said.</p> <p>The news of the beloved Fantales leaving shelves had Aussies up in arms, with many believing they are a staple of Australian culture. </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">WHAT?! Fantales are ending?! I always assumed they'd just exist for the rare occasion I want to revisit my childhood.</p> <p>— Dani (@danikiemel) <a href="https://twitter.com/danikiemel/status/1671311976172228608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">It’s just not a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/straya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#straya</a> without <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Fantales?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Fantales</a></p> <p>— creatrixZBD (@zbdEmanuelle) <a href="https://twitter.com/zbdEmanuelle/status/1671320060483493888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Dentists retirement plans rely heavily on Fantales, Minties &amp; White Knights. Oh and those little toffees with sprinkles in paper at school fair days! <a href="https://t.co/tywtqeW9BQ">https://t.co/tywtqeW9BQ</a></p> <p>— PolarK (@Karina_Melbs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Karina_Melbs/status/1671325235327688704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Goodbye Fantales. You helped me through many boring briefings, meetings, seminars and workshops.</p> <p>— waggacrow | @waggacrow@toot.site (@waggacrow) <a href="https://twitter.com/waggacrow/status/1671309285010321408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>The last production of Fantales will be in mid-July, and Fantales will be available for sale while stocks last.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Nestlé</em></p>

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Allen’s drop lollies inspired by iconic Kirks soft drinks

<p dir="ltr">Two iconic brands have teamed up to bring Aussies an interesting sweet treat.</p> <h4 dir="ltr">Introducing: Allen’s gummy candy inspired by Kirks soft drinks.</h4> <p dir="ltr">The collaboration is inspired by Kirks Classic Pasito, Creaming Soda and Lemonade flavoured drinks.</p> <p dir="ltr">The lollies come in a 170g pack for $3.60 from all major supermarkets and convenience stores from late-August 2022.</p> <p dir="ltr">Fans of the brands were immediately thrilled by the news, as the Nestlé Head of Marketing Confectionery Joyce Tan said, “We’re so excited to introduce Allen’s Inspired by Kirks as a celebration of party memories.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“So many Aussies share moments of Kirks soda flavours and Allen’s lollies at their social celebrations – and now we’ve brought these icons together for the ultimate classic party combo.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We’ve been making lollies here in Victoria since 1891 and with each new creation we hope each bite transports lolly lovers back to those shared moments and brings a smile to their face.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Kirks Senior Brand Manager Catalina Pachon said, “We’re thrilled to partner with Allen’s who celebrate and love sharing moments together, just like Kirks.</p> <p dir="ltr">“These new lollies are inspired by Kirks favourite flavours which are well-known by generations of Australians.”</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-3b2817da-7fff-1502-a596-5ae1d2447da5"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">It’s not the first iconic collaboration Nestlé has released in recent weeks, with the recent KitKat Milo flying off shelves across the country.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Allen's</em></p>

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New names for "racist" Nestle lollies revealed

<p>Nestle's Allen's Red Skins and Chicos lollies are being rebranded after the brand announced that it would rename the products due to the names being "out of step with the company's values".</p> <p>Red Skins are being changed to Red Ripper and Chicos will become Cheekies.</p> <p><img id="__mcenew" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7838837/nestle-body.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/12be705c35f242d59e404087c693b797" /></p> <p>Nestle general manager confectionery Chris O’Donnell said the renamed products would appear on shelves early next year.</p> <p>“Nestle has an unwavering commitment to upholding respect for our friends, neighbours and colleagues,” he said.</p> <p>“We hope Australians will support the evolution of these two much-loved lollies – while the names are new, the lollies themselves remain unchanged.</p> <p>“We will keep pack changes simple to help lolly lovers find their favourites easily.”</p> <p>The intention for the name change was announced on June 20th, with Nestle vowing to "move quickly" on the issue.</p> <p>However, fans are less than impressed with the new names.</p> <p>"An absolute joke. Those lollies have had there original names for years and no one was offended until now," one person commented on Facebook.</p> <p>"Absolutely rediculous these companies need to stop bowing down to snowflakes and people who look for things to complain about," another agreed.</p>

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Health ratings fail: Research reveals food star ratings are deceptive

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Research has revealed some of Australia’s favourite cereals are not as good for us as they are made out to be. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Australian not for profit consumer organisation, CHOICE says when the added sugar in food is properly accounted for, Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain and Nestle’s Milo cereal lose 2.5 of their four heath rating stars. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The consumer advocacy group is pushing for an overall of Australia’s health star rating systems for food and says customers don’t get the full picture when it comes to added sugar. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The health star rating system was introduced as a way to give consumers the ability to compare similar products and make a healthier choice more easily. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">However CHOICE believes the system must be changed so products with added sugar can be penalised as it has been revealed Australia’s top-selling breakfast cereals can lose up to four stars when the added sugar is considered. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Right now, the health star rating algorithm treats all sugars the same,” CHOICE food expert Linda Przhedetsky told </span><a href="https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/food/food-star-ratings-fail-on-sugar-choice-c-182711"><span style="font-weight: 400;">7 News.</span></a></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It doesn't distinguish between extra sugar that's added to foods like breakfast cereals and naturally occurring sugars in dairy or fruits.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We're calling for health ministers to introduce added sugar labelling on all packaged foods and to ensure that added sugar is more heavily penalised.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The advocacy group has called for the health stars system to become a requirement for all foods and drinks as well as a guarantee that industries are not influencing the policies around food labelling. </span></p>

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Iconic Aussie staple about to go through a major change

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Nestle has launched a healthier version of a popular Aussie drink, Milo. They’ve announced a major change to the recipe and have launched a new 30 per cent less added sugar version.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This is due to backlash after the product’s 4.5 health star rating.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, there’s one question on everyone’s lips: Does it taste the same as the old one?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> According to the Nestle Australia’s spokeswoman, Margaret Stuart, it does. She told </span><a href="https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/food/drink/nestl-to-launch-new-milo-without-cane-sugar-but-does-it-taste-as-good/news-story/1da94bf834d4e2ba4224ea7365f8614d"><span style="font-weight: 400;">news.com.au</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">: </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It tastes exactly the same, so much so, most people don’t even notice the difference,” Ms Stuart said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“When we were working on developing Milo 30% less added sugar, our focus was on creating a product that looks like original Milo, tastes like original Milo, and behaves like original Milo — crunchy bits and all.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We found in testing that people really loved the concept, but they liked it even more when they tasted it. It really exceeded their expectations. It tastes great.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The development of the new Milo took two years and was developed in response to the changing nutritional needs of families.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Nestle general manager Andrew McIver explained why they’ve done the best they can to hold onto the brand’s 85 yearlong heritage.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Milo was originally designed as a nutritious drink for undernourished children during the Depression, delivering added vitamins and minerals in a format children enjoyed,” he said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“With parents increasingly concerned about added sugar in their children’s diets, we’ve created an option that is true to the Milo heritage and encourages people to drink milk, but delivers less added sugar.”</span></p>

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Consumers in shock: Iconic Aussie brand shunned by Woolworths

<p>Woolworths has removed the much-loved brand of Uncle Tobys from its shelves amid rumours of a price increase that the supermarket giant wasn’t willing to pay.</p> <p>In a <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.nestle.com.au/media/newsandfeatures/breakfast-cereal-price-increases" target="_blank">media release</a> from <em>Nestle</em>, who own Uncle Tobys, the price increase is due to the drought affecting their farmers in Victoria.</p> <p>pHowever, experts have warned that fresh food including fruit and vegetables could be next.</p> <p>The National Retail Association chief executive Dominique Lamb has suggested similar cost pressures and explained to <em><a rel="noopener" href="https://7plus.com.au/weekend-sunrise" target="_blank">Weekend Sunrise</a></em> that suppliers are under a huge amount of pressure as costs continue to rise.</p> <p>“We know a lot of businesses are finding it difficult with increases in utilities prices.</p> <p>“Also with the cost of labour ... all businesses are going through these things so I think we will see this continue from time to time.”</p> <p>Ms Lamb also explained her thoughts as to what will happen to the fresh food market.</p> <p>“I think it will happen ... but hopefully everyone can maintain their relationships, because as consumers we will all suffer.</p> <p><img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7825665/uncle-tobys.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/617e0760d1e3484693479389e45a0ca4" /></p> <p>“It is the consumer who bears the difficulties around this where they can't get their product if there are big price hikes.”</p> <p>Nestle spokeswoman Margaret Stuart confirmed that the supplier had encountered issues with Woolworths. Stuart told <em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6894909/Uncle-Tobys-beloved-oat-brands-disappear-Woolworths-shelves.html" target="_blank">The Daily Mail</a></em>:</p> <p>“We have a supply issue with Woolworths which we’re both working hard to resolve to make sure that our breakfast cereal products are available again there soon.”</p> <p>Stuart also mentioned that the supply issue hasn’t impacted Coles.</p> <p>“We can confirm that Uncle Tobys and Nestlé breakfast cereals are available at Coles.”</p> <p>Have you noticed this cereal disappearing from Woolworths? Let us know in the comments.</p>

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Nestle forced to reveal the shocking truth about Milo

<p>Milo is a part of growing up for millions of Australians, but a shocking investigation from consumer advocacy group CHOICE has forced Nestle to reveal the truth about the drink – and it’s not pretty.</p> <p>The investigation, which has prompted Nestle to drop Milo’s 4.5 Health Star Rating, found that previous estimates of the health benefits of the chocolate and malt benefit were incredibly misleading.</p> <p>Milo’s previous health rating was based on someone making a cup with just three teaspoons and a glass of skim milk, which CHOICE contends is not the way most people consume the drink.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">WIN! Following CHOICE's campaign, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Nestl%C3%A9?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Nestlé</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Milo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Milo</a> has agreed to remove their 4.5 health star rating from pack until the Government's review of the system is complete. <a href="https://t.co/qJsHRfRZM9">https://t.co/qJsHRfRZM9</a> <a href="https://t.co/QUYV21ItR8">pic.twitter.com/QUYV21ItR8</a></p> — CHOICE (@choiceaustralia) <a href="https://twitter.com/choiceaustralia/status/968998422475808768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2018</a></blockquote> <p>Public health experts agree with the consumer group and believe Milo should receive a more accurate 1.5 star health rating.</p> <p>“Most Aussies don’t consume Milo with skim milk alone,” Choice’s head of campaigns and policy, Katinka Day <a href="http://www.news.com.au/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>told News.com.au</strong></em></span></a>.</p> <p>“To claim a health star rating by adding nutritionally superior ingredients of another product is not helpful, especially for people who eat their Milo with full cream milk, or even straight out of the can or on ice-cream,” Ms Day said.</p> <p>“It’s a move that smacks of marketing trickery rather than a genuine attempt to help consumers make an informed choice.”</p> <p>Ms Day believers the rating should be replaced with a more accurate description.</p> <p>“While we welcome Nestle’s decision to ditch its dishonest star rating, it doesn’t go far enough. Milo needs to display a 1.5 star rating which reflects the product’s actual ingredients,” she said.</p> <p>Nestle spokeswoman Margaret Stuart responded to the investigation, but said the rating would only be dropped by the powder and would be retained any additional Milo-branded products.</p> <p>“It’s encouraging to see a growing body of evidence showing that the HSR is delivering on its key objectives,” Ms Stuart said in a statement.</p> <p>“Crucially, it’s guiding shoppers who are comparing packaged foods within a category in store, and encouraging packaged food manufacturers to improve the nutritional content of their products, resulting in broader improvements across the food industry,” Ms Stuart said.</p> <p>“The system, which was developed with the input of many stakeholders, is fundamentally sound, scientifically robust and compares well with front of pack labelling systems in other countries.”</p> <p>What are your thoughts? Do you think Nestle has a case to answer for? Or are people blowing this one out of proportion?</p>

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