Aussies’ uproar over Iced VoVo biscuits: ‘Boy was I disappointed’
Who doesn't have fond childhood memories of sharing a packet of Iced VoVos with their mates at school?
Not to mention the countless backyard cricket games enriched with the added delight of Iced VoVos during afternoon tea.
This snazzy yet classic biscuit from Arnott's, which has graced households since 1906, undoubtedly holds a special place in the hearts of Aussies everywhere.
So when one social media user posed the question, ‘What the h*** [had] happened?’ to Arnott’s Iced VoVos—the community waited with bated breath.
The consensus was clear: deep disappointment.
Many believed that the iconic Iced VoVos had declined in quality and size over the years, not to mention an overall decrease in taste.
‘I haven’t had one for ages [at] least a decade,’ the user wrote.
‘On a whim, I bought a pack. Boy, was I disappointed.’
‘Everything Arnott’s has touched has been murdered,’ another vented.
‘Orange Creams have less cream and taste stale, Shortbread Creams taste sickly and fake, Monte Carlos has red and white hardened glue instead of filling, Kingston’s are like 30 per cent crumbs, Delta creams just taste wrong, Nice, I wish they were.’
‘I don’t mind an Iced Vovo every now and then, but they do seem smaller these days,’ another chimed in.
‘And the coconut and jam seems much firmer and less off than I remember them being originally.’
‘I also had one after a long gap and completely lost my s**t. It’s like they hate us,’ a third added.
Some have claimed that Arnott's biscuits haven't maintained their original quality since the company's acquisition by the American investment firm, KKR, in 2019.
However, in response to the mounting criticism, a representative from Arnott’s insisted that the Iced VoVo’s recipe and size remain unchanged.
‘We know Iced VoVo biscuits are a much-loved product amongst Australians, and we are consistently listening to our consumers to ensure our products meet high-quality standards,’ the spokesperson said.
‘Our Iced Vovo biscuits continue to be made by our wonderful team in Marleston, South Australia, who have been delivering the same delicious recipe of smooth fondant, sweet raspberry jammy flavoured topping, and a sprinkle of coconut all on a delicate golden biscuit that Aussies have loved for decades.’
‘As well as the recipe, the biscuit size of our Iced VoVo has stayed the same in recent years.’
Arnott's sold to KKR for $3.2 billion
Private equity firm KKR acquired the renowned biscuit manufacturer Arnott’s, as well as other assets of Campbell Soup Company’s international operations, in a transaction valued at $3.2 billion.
This deal came after an 11-month auction and included the sale of assets such as Arnott’s biscuits and Campbell’s meal and snacking brands across the Asia Pacific region.
The acquisition also encompasses manufacturing facilities and distribution channels in countries like Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Japan.
Arnott's, renowned for its iconic offerings like Tim Tam and Scotch Finger, records the majority of sales for Campbell International.
David Lang, a representative from KKR, highlighted the significance of acquiring Arnott’s for the firm.
Members, when did you last enjoy an Iced VoVo biscuit? Have you noticed any differences? Share your observations in the comments below!
Not to mention the countless backyard cricket games enriched with the added delight of Iced VoVos during afternoon tea.
This snazzy yet classic biscuit from Arnott's, which has graced households since 1906, undoubtedly holds a special place in the hearts of Aussies everywhere.
So when one social media user posed the question, ‘What the h*** [had] happened?’ to Arnott’s Iced VoVos—the community waited with bated breath.
The consensus was clear: deep disappointment.
Many believed that the iconic Iced VoVos had declined in quality and size over the years, not to mention an overall decrease in taste.
‘I haven’t had one for ages [at] least a decade,’ the user wrote.
‘On a whim, I bought a pack. Boy, was I disappointed.’
‘Everything Arnott’s has touched has been murdered,’ another vented.
‘Orange Creams have less cream and taste stale, Shortbread Creams taste sickly and fake, Monte Carlos has red and white hardened glue instead of filling, Kingston’s are like 30 per cent crumbs, Delta creams just taste wrong, Nice, I wish they were.’
‘I don’t mind an Iced Vovo every now and then, but they do seem smaller these days,’ another chimed in.
‘And the coconut and jam seems much firmer and less off than I remember them being originally.’
‘I also had one after a long gap and completely lost my s**t. It’s like they hate us,’ a third added.
Some have claimed that Arnott's biscuits haven't maintained their original quality since the company's acquisition by the American investment firm, KKR, in 2019.
However, in response to the mounting criticism, a representative from Arnott’s insisted that the Iced VoVo’s recipe and size remain unchanged.
‘We know Iced VoVo biscuits are a much-loved product amongst Australians, and we are consistently listening to our consumers to ensure our products meet high-quality standards,’ the spokesperson said.
‘Our Iced Vovo biscuits continue to be made by our wonderful team in Marleston, South Australia, who have been delivering the same delicious recipe of smooth fondant, sweet raspberry jammy flavoured topping, and a sprinkle of coconut all on a delicate golden biscuit that Aussies have loved for decades.’
‘As well as the recipe, the biscuit size of our Iced VoVo has stayed the same in recent years.’
Arnott's sold to KKR for $3.2 billion
Private equity firm KKR acquired the renowned biscuit manufacturer Arnott’s, as well as other assets of Campbell Soup Company’s international operations, in a transaction valued at $3.2 billion.
This deal came after an 11-month auction and included the sale of assets such as Arnott’s biscuits and Campbell’s meal and snacking brands across the Asia Pacific region.
The acquisition also encompasses manufacturing facilities and distribution channels in countries like Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Japan.
Arnott's, renowned for its iconic offerings like Tim Tam and Scotch Finger, records the majority of sales for Campbell International.
David Lang, a representative from KKR, highlighted the significance of acquiring Arnott’s for the firm.
Key Takeaways
- Aussies have taken to social media to express dismay over perceived alterations in the quality of Arnott’s Iced VoVos biscuits.
- The primary concerns revolve around an alleged decrease in the biscuits' size and taste.
- Some believe the biscuits haven't been the same since the company was sold to American investment company KKR in 2019.
- A spokesperson for Arnott's has insisted the recipe and size of Iced VoVo biscuits has not changed.