‘Gutted’: Controversy erupts over Whittaker’s latest chocolate block
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Whittaker's, the beloved New Zealand confectionery brand, has stirred up a storm of controversy with the launch of its latest chocolate block.
The new 'Choc Cross Bun' bar, which was released in Australia before its home country, has left Kiwis fuming and Aussies divided.
The Whittaker's Chocolate Cross Bun, which retails for $6.90 in Coles, is a unique blend of the ‘bold flavours of hot cross buns’ and Whittaker's signature 'Creamy Milk' chocolate.
The Easter-themed block has been flying off the shelves at Coles since its release, but the decision to launch it in Australia first has left a bitter taste in the mouths of New Zealanders.
Social media has been flooded with taste test videos and photos of the Choc Cross Bun bar, and many New Zealand natives have taken to these platforms to express their disappointment.
'Why do Australia always get the limited editions first now?' one disgruntled Kiwi asked.
Another echoed the sentiment, exclaiming, 'WE NEED THIS IN NZ!'
‘Made in NZ and Australia gets it first. Gutted,’ another said.
Despite the controversy, Whittaker's has confirmed that the block will be available in New Zealand starting 5 February.
Soraya Cottin, Chief Marketing Officer at Whittaker's, said that the response in Australia had been positive.
'We know people love the traditional, bold flavours of Hot Cross Buns, so Whittaker's wanted to celebrate Easter by bringing Chocolate Lovers the best of both worlds—quality chocolate, along with the nostalgic flavours of Hot Cross Buns they know and love,' she said.
‘The flavour is a modern twist on a traditional Easter favourite & the positive response has solidified our decision to bring this unique chocolate block to market.’
The Choc Cross Bun bar has received mixed reviews from Coles shoppers. Some have declared it a firm 'no', while others have described it as a 'delight'.
Michael Jaimie, a food blogger from South Australia, shared his thoughts on his video, saying, ‘A lot of food enthusiasts are not loving it, but I’m pretty keen.’
'It smells like those little ginger cookies with the white icing on them, that you get in the Christmas tins. So good.'
After tasting the block, which he noted had 'chunky raisins' and contained a 'natural mix spice flavour and orange oil', Michael declared there was 'a lot going on'.
He concluded, 'If you like fruit and nut chocolate, you'll love this.'
Users commented on Michael’s video, saying they were ‘desperate’ to try it.
‘Whittakers is hands down the best chocolate, and you will not change my mind, running to get this one,’ one responded.
‘Fine, I’ll go get some,’ another teased.
Others simply said: ‘YUM.’
You can watch Michael’s video below:
Credit: @MichaelJaimie / TikTok
Last year, chocolate lovers rejoiced over the launching of Whittaker’s Hazella chocolate block in Australian stores.
This decadent treat from New Zealand’s top chocolate brand has already gained a cult following, and Aussies are thrilled that this 'Nutella-inspired' bar is now available on our shores.
BIG W already has a ‘secret stash’ of this much-loved chocolate bar. You can check out more about this here.
What do you think of Whittaker's latest creation? Have you tried it yet? Let us know in the comments below!
The new 'Choc Cross Bun' bar, which was released in Australia before its home country, has left Kiwis fuming and Aussies divided.
The Whittaker's Chocolate Cross Bun, which retails for $6.90 in Coles, is a unique blend of the ‘bold flavours of hot cross buns’ and Whittaker's signature 'Creamy Milk' chocolate.
The Easter-themed block has been flying off the shelves at Coles since its release, but the decision to launch it in Australia first has left a bitter taste in the mouths of New Zealanders.
Chocolate lovers are excited to get their hands on Whittaker’s limited edition chocolate block. Credit: Coles
Social media has been flooded with taste test videos and photos of the Choc Cross Bun bar, and many New Zealand natives have taken to these platforms to express their disappointment.
'Why do Australia always get the limited editions first now?' one disgruntled Kiwi asked.
Another echoed the sentiment, exclaiming, 'WE NEED THIS IN NZ!'
‘Made in NZ and Australia gets it first. Gutted,’ another said.
Despite the controversy, Whittaker's has confirmed that the block will be available in New Zealand starting 5 February.
Soraya Cottin, Chief Marketing Officer at Whittaker's, said that the response in Australia had been positive.
'We know people love the traditional, bold flavours of Hot Cross Buns, so Whittaker's wanted to celebrate Easter by bringing Chocolate Lovers the best of both worlds—quality chocolate, along with the nostalgic flavours of Hot Cross Buns they know and love,' she said.
‘The flavour is a modern twist on a traditional Easter favourite & the positive response has solidified our decision to bring this unique chocolate block to market.’
The Choc Cross Bun bar has received mixed reviews from Coles shoppers. Some have declared it a firm 'no', while others have described it as a 'delight'.
Michael Jaimie, a food blogger from South Australia, shared his thoughts on his video, saying, ‘A lot of food enthusiasts are not loving it, but I’m pretty keen.’
'It smells like those little ginger cookies with the white icing on them, that you get in the Christmas tins. So good.'
After tasting the block, which he noted had 'chunky raisins' and contained a 'natural mix spice flavour and orange oil', Michael declared there was 'a lot going on'.
He concluded, 'If you like fruit and nut chocolate, you'll love this.'
Users commented on Michael’s video, saying they were ‘desperate’ to try it.
‘Whittakers is hands down the best chocolate, and you will not change my mind, running to get this one,’ one responded.
‘Fine, I’ll go get some,’ another teased.
Others simply said: ‘YUM.’
You can watch Michael’s video below:
Credit: @MichaelJaimie / TikTok
Last year, chocolate lovers rejoiced over the launching of Whittaker’s Hazella chocolate block in Australian stores.
This decadent treat from New Zealand’s top chocolate brand has already gained a cult following, and Aussies are thrilled that this 'Nutella-inspired' bar is now available on our shores.
BIG W already has a ‘secret stash’ of this much-loved chocolate bar. You can check out more about this here.
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