End of an era: Nestle discontinues iconic Fantales chocolate after 93 years
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We're no strangers to the love and memories that come with iconic treats. That's why it's with a heavy heart that we must break the news that an Australian classic, the much-loved Fantales chocolate, has been discontinued after 93 years.
Nestle, the manufacturer of Fantales, made the shocking announcement on Tuesday that the chocolate-covered caramels, famous for their movie star stories printed on the wrappers, will cease production as early as next month.
This decision came after declining sales and the need for significant and costly upgrades to continue making Fantales at Nestlé's Melbourne confectionery factory.
'We know our decision to stop making Fantales will be sad news for many people,' said Nestlé Oceania Confectionery General Manager Andrew Lawrey.
'Many of us grew up with Fantales and have fond memories of them. Despite the sense of nostalgia Fantales evoke, unfortunately, people simply aren't buying them as often as they used to.'
The equipment needed to make Fantales requires significant investment. Lawrey added, 'It's become increasingly difficult to get the parts we need to maintain it and with declining sales, replacing it isn't viable.'
The iconic treat was first created in 1930, at the peak of the Golden Age of Hollywood, with fans flocking to the movies in droves. To ride this wave of movie mania, the chewy caramels were wrapped in 'fan tales' featuring biographies of actors and musicians.
Over the years, fans cherished reading captivating stories of stars like Marilyn Monroe, Fred Astaire and Cary Grant as they indulged in Fantales. The New York Times even declared it Australia's most defining lolly!
Ah, those were the days, surrounded by friends, unwrapping a Fantales chocolate at the local cinema, and learning all about our favourite stars. Some Aussies even reminisced and shared their favourite memories with the treat!
Susan from Melbourne said she remembers saving her pocket money and getting a pack of Fantales for an afternoon treat at the cinema with her friends before watching a matinee. Meanwhile, Greg from Perth recalled wooing his now-wife by impressing her with Fantale trivia on their first date.
While we bid farewell to Fantales, we can look back and remember some other beloved treats that have been discontinued over the years—who could forget those delicious Polly Waffles and Space Food Sticks?
Lawrey reassured fans that while the investment in the future of Fantales is not sustainable, Nestle will continue to invest in their other Allen's lollies, including fan favourites such as Snakes Alive, Party Mix, and Minties. So, while we bid farewell to Fantales, we still have those cherished favourites around to sweeten our days.
The last batch of Fantales chocolates will be produced in mid-July, and they'll be available for sale while stocks last. For those of you eager to relive memories or share them with your grandchildren, make sure to grab a pack while you still can.
All staff from the Fantales production line will be moved to other roles within the factory, so rest assured, their livelihoods won't be affected by the discontinuation of this timeless treat.
As we say goodbye to Fantales, let's embrace the memories and stories they brought to our lives. They will always be cherished pieces of our past, a sweet reminder of simpler times.
What do you think, members? Do you have cherished memories of enjoying packs of Fantales with friends and family? Can you still remember some of the interesting facts written on the packaging? Feel free to share your stories with us in the comments section—we're eager to hear from you!
Nestle, the manufacturer of Fantales, made the shocking announcement on Tuesday that the chocolate-covered caramels, famous for their movie star stories printed on the wrappers, will cease production as early as next month.
This decision came after declining sales and the need for significant and costly upgrades to continue making Fantales at Nestlé's Melbourne confectionery factory.
'We know our decision to stop making Fantales will be sad news for many people,' said Nestlé Oceania Confectionery General Manager Andrew Lawrey.
'Many of us grew up with Fantales and have fond memories of them. Despite the sense of nostalgia Fantales evoke, unfortunately, people simply aren't buying them as often as they used to.'
The equipment needed to make Fantales requires significant investment. Lawrey added, 'It's become increasingly difficult to get the parts we need to maintain it and with declining sales, replacing it isn't viable.'
The iconic treat was first created in 1930, at the peak of the Golden Age of Hollywood, with fans flocking to the movies in droves. To ride this wave of movie mania, the chewy caramels were wrapped in 'fan tales' featuring biographies of actors and musicians.
Over the years, fans cherished reading captivating stories of stars like Marilyn Monroe, Fred Astaire and Cary Grant as they indulged in Fantales. The New York Times even declared it Australia's most defining lolly!
Ah, those were the days, surrounded by friends, unwrapping a Fantales chocolate at the local cinema, and learning all about our favourite stars. Some Aussies even reminisced and shared their favourite memories with the treat!
Susan from Melbourne said she remembers saving her pocket money and getting a pack of Fantales for an afternoon treat at the cinema with her friends before watching a matinee. Meanwhile, Greg from Perth recalled wooing his now-wife by impressing her with Fantale trivia on their first date.
While we bid farewell to Fantales, we can look back and remember some other beloved treats that have been discontinued over the years—who could forget those delicious Polly Waffles and Space Food Sticks?
Key Takeaways
- Fantales, an iconic Australian chocolate treat, is being discontinued after 93 years.
- Due to declining sales and expensive upgrades needed for production at their Melbourne factory, manufacturer Nestle made the hard decision.
- Fantales, which first emerged in 1930, are known for having movie star stories on the wrappers.
- Nestle will continue to invest in other Allen's lollies, such as Snakes Alive, Party Mix, and Minties, while Fantales will be available for sale while stocks last.
Lawrey reassured fans that while the investment in the future of Fantales is not sustainable, Nestle will continue to invest in their other Allen's lollies, including fan favourites such as Snakes Alive, Party Mix, and Minties. So, while we bid farewell to Fantales, we still have those cherished favourites around to sweeten our days.
The last batch of Fantales chocolates will be produced in mid-July, and they'll be available for sale while stocks last. For those of you eager to relive memories or share them with your grandchildren, make sure to grab a pack while you still can.
All staff from the Fantales production line will be moved to other roles within the factory, so rest assured, their livelihoods won't be affected by the discontinuation of this timeless treat.
As we say goodbye to Fantales, let's embrace the memories and stories they brought to our lives. They will always be cherished pieces of our past, a sweet reminder of simpler times.
What do you think, members? Do you have cherished memories of enjoying packs of Fantales with friends and family? Can you still remember some of the interesting facts written on the packaging? Feel free to share your stories with us in the comments section—we're eager to hear from you!