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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Just looked online there are plenty of other stores that sell them even some post offices thats if you really want one😊
 
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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 are so wrong. Many people buy these tins,, my father has a large collection, he bought the first and one each year. So many veterans and their families buy these tins. For myself I only buy Anzac biscuits for Anzac day and only in the collectable tins. So no more Wollworths for me, I will travel further and pay more for groceries at foodland. I, like most Australians support our veterans, the RSL, Australian traditions and Anzac Day.
 
l don't know why we still have it ! The war ended 79 years ago making the service men and women at least 97 years old now and probably in nursing homes.
My husband was in the RAF and he was 94 years old when he died two years ago.
We all appreciate the sacifices that were made but is there still need for this organisation?
 
How can they do this. Has the board been changed do the decision makers come from another country and they don’t care about ANZAC day and what it means to all of us Aussies. Do we have too many nationalities living in our country Who don’t know the meaning and the history of this day.
 
This is disgusting. If Woolworths (they) can stock the packets of ANZAC biscuits all year round, plus be the exclusive retailer of the range of Poppies, then which ignaramous came up with this idea to drop the tins? It is as though they are undoing history. You just can’t do that! If it’s the decision of some little bean counter in accounts that finds it too hard to work out the percentage of sales and the donation they need to pass onto the RSL, then sack them. If it’s a storage problem or a wastage problem then suck it up. You see all of those bin divers going through your binds at night, so just give them away after a month. Make a hero out of yourselves, just like our fallen have, instead of making yourselves look pitiful in the eyes of al Australians.
 
Woolworths should be asked for an explanation as to why they are not selling these overpriced buiscuts, before we hang tem out to dry. That's the Australian way.
 
Where else can you buy these? I hope rsl clubs have taken up the challenge
 
What's happening in this country. first lack of Australia Day memorabilia, I bought a hat from the Reject shop all they had was about 8 choices Australia Day apparel about 6 of each, they were at the end of an isle right up the back of the store. Woolworths are becoming very unAustralian. I'm going to tell the Manager at my local store my feelings. The profit from these Biscuits goes to the RSL.
 
I do have an Anzac Day biscuit tin but only because someone gave it to me a few years ago. For me, I have never seen them in any WW store & I have always shopped there. My guess would be that all those above who are complaining about the tins not being available have never bought them either but now want to get on the bandwagon & complain because that's what we do best.
I've bought them at Coles before when cost was around $9-10.
 
Just go to Coles where I have bought them as I don't shop at Woolworths anyway because theyt are major owners of pokie venues in this country.
 
Just go to Coles where I have bought them as I don't shop at Woolworths anyway because theyt are major owners of pokie venues in this country.
Coles and Woolworths are both the biggest owners of poker machines in Australia.they own more than the casinos.🙀
 
Shame on Woolies for not getting in the Aussie spirit of our celebrations. One would think that their Aussie stores would at least support our Aussie traditions. Hopefully people will start shopping elsewhere.
 

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