Woolworths’ decision on iconic ANZAC Day tradition leaves veterans outraged: ‘It’s common courtesy’

ANZAC Day is a time of remembrance and respect when Australians and New Zealanders honour the sacrifices of those who have served and continue to serve in our armed forces.

It's a day steeped in tradition, and one of those traditions has been the availability of special ANZAC biscuit tins sold through various retailers, with a portion of the proceeds going to support veterans and their families.

However, this year, Woolworths has made the controversial decision not to stock these commemorative tins, and the backlash from the veteran community has been swift and severe.



The Bakers Finest RSL ANZAC biscuit tins, which feature alternative designs commemorating different wars and conflicts, have become collectors' items over the years.

They are more than just a sweet treat; they symbolise support and remembrance, with profits aiding the Returned and Services League (RSL) in its mission to assist veterans.


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Veterans sparked outrage when Woolworths decided not to stock the limited-edition ANZAC biscuit tins. Credit: RSL Australia


Woolworths' choice to exclude these tins from their shelves this year has been met with disappointment and anger from those who hold the tradition dear.

World War II veteran Jack Bartlett, a former Chief Petty Officer on Her Majesty’s Australian Ship (HMAS) Manoora, expressed his dismay at the decision.

At 100 years old, Bartlett's connection to ANZAC Day is deeply personal.

'I collect those tins and value them greatly because of my association. I'm very, very sorry to hear that Woolworths won't do it (sell them),' he said in an interview with 2GB's Ben Fordham.

'It's such a small thing for such a big shopping conglomerate to do. I don't think it's very, very much to ask them to continue what they've done for some time.’

‘In January 1942, I, along with thousands of young men, took up arms to defend this country with one thought in mind: to live our way of life,' he added.

'We fought and won, and I think that it is only common courtesy to ask the leaders of our industry to support us in our hour of need.'



The move by Woolworths is particularly puzzling given that the supermarket chain sells ANZAC biscuits year-round and is the exclusive retailer of ANZAC Appeal badges in the country.

This inconsistency has not gone unnoticed, with One Nation leader Pauline Hanson voicing her continued boycott of Woolworths following their earlier decision to stop selling Australia Day merchandise.

'If Woolworths isn't interested in celebrating Australia and doing everything it can to support our veterans through organisations like the RSL, then I'm proud to continue to boycott Woolworths,' she encouraged others to follow suit.

In response to the outcry, a Woolworths spokesperson highlighted the company's track record of supporting Anzac-associated appeals, with almost $13 million raised over the last decade.

‘Our teams nationwide are pleased to again be proudly supporting this year's ANZAC Appeal as we're the only supermarket to stock the appeal's badges with all funds for sales going to the RSL,' the spokesperson said.

'We sell Bakers Finest ANZAC biscuits in our stores all year round, this product is endorsed by the RSL and generates revenue for the RSL to support veterans and their families.'



Despite these efforts, the decision not to stock the special ANZAC biscuit tins has struck a chord with many Australians who see it as a missed opportunity to show support for a revered tradition.

RSL Victoria, which manages the partnership with Woolworths, confirmed that the supermarket would be stocking ANZAC Appeal badges soon.

'The RSL and Woolworths have an ongoing and valued partnership, providing ongoing support to veterans and their families across Australia,' the spokesperson said.

'Over the last ten years, Woolworths has raised more than $13 million during both our ANZAC and Poppy Appeals by making badges available for purchase in stores, providing direct and crucial support to the veteran community nationwide.’

'This support continues in 2024, with Woolworths once again stocking ANZAC and Poppy Appeal badges for purchase.'
Key Takeaways
  • Woolworths has decided not to stock RSL Australia's special limited-edition ANZAC biscuit tins this year, a move that has upset veterans and others who see the tins as a tradition and collector's item.
  • A portion of the profits from selling these tins is donated to the RSL to aid veterans and their families, highlighting the significance of the decision.
  • Criticism has come from WWII veteran Jack Bartlett and One Nation leader Pauline Hanson, expressing disappointment and advocating for alternatives to support veterans.
  • Despite the controversy, Woolworths continues to sell ANZAC biscuits year-round and remains the exclusive supermarket seller of ANZAC Appeal badges, with a Woolworths spokesperson highlighting the company's significant contributions to veteran-related appeals over the past decade.
What are your thoughts on Woolworths' decision not to stock the ANZAC biscuit tins this year? Share your views in the comments below.
 
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Who wants to buy a tin of Anzac biscuits for $14.95 when the biscuits can be made or bought for about $3. How many people knew these tins of biscuits even existed before Woollies decided to pull them, and how many people have the rest of the set? Not many I suspect. People are so precious these days!
You must be a Woolies shareholder. Get a life as you most likely did not serve in the ADF.
 
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A poor decision by Woolworths. Has this organisation gone "lefty" as they put big money into the "yes" vote on The Voice referendum and got egg on their face.
 
I don’t think it’s appropriate that Woolworths suddenly won’t support the Anzacs. It has been a way of showing respect for those who fought for our freedom and those that died doing so along with families loosing their loved ones.
I will rethink shopping at Woolworths from now on
 
I was not born until some years after the war and haven’t served, I work in a nursing home with many who did serve. I usually say thank you to them for their sacrifice. The least we can do and pray my children and grandchildren won’t go through the same thing.
 
It's disappointing to see Woolworths again not supporting Australia's heritage. First Australia Day, now Anzac Day. Very unaustralian Woolworths. Do you think that this will stop us remembering those who lost their lives or returned home with injuries sustained in conflict of war. We Will Remember Them. We will also remember those that didn't.
 
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Pity I need a new bikkie tin but there Anzac biscuits are horrible,better to make your own and throw there’s out to the birds.😊
 
Who wants to buy a tin of Anzac biscuits for $14.95 when the biscuits can be made or bought for about $3. How many people knew these tins of biscuits even existed before Woollies decided to pull them, and how many people have the rest of the set? Not many I suspect. People are so precious these days!
 
The people (stupid littke kids) have no idea of patriotism, loyaly, dedication, mateship, history, etc. Their only concern is what makes the most money, and their own advancement.
 
It seems anything to do with Australia is banned or dropped by Woolworths, I really think we should be boycotting this supermarket, they have become an embarrassment to this country.
 
The scars of Woolworths decision to firstly, remove Australia Day merchandise and now ANZAC Day tinned biscuits, cut deep. With a younger generation now taking up the batons, they need to see, hear and be reminded what history and sacrifice is all about.

I encourage true Australians to show these anti Australian monoliths that their actions have not gone unnoticed and will come back to bite them.

Our limp minded socialist government are predominantly silent on these issues shown by their spine of jelly. The unions, the once backbone of mainstream Australians also show their weakness in their silence.
Kingsley what does Woolies not selling something got to do with the government? I realise by most of your comments you are anti Labor but please stick to the topic at hand and stop trying to politicise everything. No one tells any supermarket what they have to sell despite your political rhetoric. I also think it’s sad that they are not selling the tins.
 
I am sad that my husband and I have collected all the tins available to us. We were army medics. And remember the efforts and suffering of soldiers. During COVID we did a neibourhood services in our front drive ways. Service and LAST POST on radio. Even children of the community were there. Learning about the sacrifices of soldiers now and then. Our ancestry is important as is the lessons learned. I have seen so much of shrinkages of special holidays in case it may offend ( loosing them may offend may offend us.).
 
What do they do with all this money anyway? The war ended 79 years ago making returned soldiers at least 97 years and they are probably all in a nursing home.
My husband was in airforce during the war and he was 94 when he died.
We all appreciate the sacrifice they all made but l was just wondering where this money really goes thats all.
 
Who wants to buy a tin of Anzac biscuits for $14.95 when the biscuits can be made or bought for about $3. How many people knew these tins of biscuits even existed before Woollies decided to pull them, and how many people have the rest of the set? Not many I suspect. People are so precious these days!
ISN'T THE IDEA OF THESE TINS, REGARDLESS OF THE PRICE, TO SUPPORT A GREAT ORGANISATION WHO REPRESENT ALL THOSE BRAVE MEN & WOMEN WHO FOUGHT FOR OUR COUNTRY SO THAT THE LIKES OF YOU & I CAN HAVE THE LIFE WE CURRENTLY ENJOY?

THE STANCE TAKEN BY WOOLWORTHS FOR BOTH AUSTRALIA DAY & NOW ANZAC DAY IS UNAUSTRALIAN & UNACCEPTABLE.

WOOLWORTHS HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT 2 CELEBRATIONS WHICH ORIGINATED OUTSIDE AUSTRALIA & REALLY HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH AUSTRALIA'S FOUNDING OR PRESERVATION BUT DENY SUPPORT OF THESE 2 EVENTS RELEVANT TO ALL AUSTRALIANS? AREN'T THERE ENOUGH PROFITS IN THESE FOR YOUR SHAREHOLDERS?

IF YOU ARE NOT GOING TO SELL THESE FOR THE RSL THEN DO THE DECENT THING & PAY THEM THE AMOUNT THEY ARE LOSING THROUGH YOUR SELFISHNESS & DO THE SAME FOR AUSTRALIA DAY PRODUCTS. (Maybe, just maybe you may redeem yourselves). BUT DON'T MAKE THIS A ONE OFF BUT FOR ETERNITY!!!
 
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I'm absolutely dusgusted in Woolworths for not selling these Anzac biscuit tins. I always buy them & know it's a way of supporting our veterans and remembering the sacrifices they've made for our country. Shame on you Woolworths ☹️ 😔
 
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