Let’s take a trip down memory lane… You remember Bertie Beetle, don't you?

That favourite chocolatey treat from our childhood comes under the spotlight as we celebrate the 60th year of this Aussie icon.

Let's embark on an endearing journey down Bertie's six-decade memory lane, shall we?


Bertie Beetle sprung to life in 1963. Its creation was done by sweets maker Hoadley's in a strategic attempt to compete with Cadbury's Freddo Frog.

The snack was actually conceived from the remnants of another candy’s production process.

Hoadley's cleverly repurposed the leftover honeycomb shards that didn't make their way into Violet Crumbles.

The delightful beetle treat was a staple both in stores and showbags from its inception.

However, everything changed in 1972 when the late Tommy Carter, fondly remembered as the Showbag King, crafted an exclusive Bertie Beetle bag.

'His [Tommy Carter's] goal was just to create something that was affordable for everyone. To create happiness,' Carter's granddaughter Keira Souter said.

'It started from a small tiny beetle to being an Australia-wide phenomenon.'


Bertie Beetles were present in the recent Ekka, formerly known as the Royal Queensland Show, which ran from August 12 to August 30.

Many users shared their love for the showbags on social media which included Bertie Beetle’s 60th Birthday Showbag.

'Showbags are always a favourite part of going to the show!' One said.

Another added: 'These showbags are great!'

While a third shared: 'I can’t wait for the show in Adelaide next month!'

See the full post below:


Other entrepreneurs would opt for a more continuous presence, but when Bertie Beetle made his debut at royal shows, he then vanished from store shelves. Ever since then, the beetle somehow became 'an exclusive rite of passage for show-goers'.

For quite some time, the treats remained exclusive, until 2018 when it made a return to some confectioneries. At the time, an official did emphasise that the chocolates sold at royal shows ‘are different, and they are still exclusive to the shows’.

But times were surely different back then as a single bag only cost 40 cents each, whereas now, it’s sold for at least $5 a bag!

Despite the price increase, Chicane Showbags spokesperson Brendan Williams shared that their sales of the Bertie Beetle showbags are still monumental.

'At the Melbourne show, we'll sell probably a semitrailer's worth every day or so,' Williams said.

'He's become an icon.'

Find out how Bertie Beetle is celebrating its 60th year at The Melbourne Royal Show below:


Members, what’s your favourite showbag memory? Share them with us in the comments below!