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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Oh well ... makes the world go round as the saying goes.
I know but it’s annoying that’s why I never believe anything I read on here. And I look up things to check before I post a lot of stuff. Nothing more embarrassing than being admonished like a naughty school kid.🤣
 
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Reactions: Penny4
Absolutely disgusting. Even the people look forward to them. I have never in my life seen so much disrespect for things that were once revered by all. My goodness, I have never seen so many CEO'S of quite a few businesses and also the normal public, absolutely throw respect of everything to the kerb. Definitely not the Autralia, that we all knew and loved once.
 
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Reactions: Gersman
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.
all they think about is them selves and making profits, and charging the public high price gouging its all about money nothing else to them... and the
government is totally useless
i was disappointed when they stopped the Australia day merchandise ... But that is Woolworth's for you they just don't care they should change there name to " worthless " not woollies
 
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Reactions: joycelyn balfour
Well I guess it’s woolw that is missing out …they really are idiots …if I had a choice I would not shop there but I don’t have a choice at the moment
 
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Reactions: joycelyn balfour
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!
I have been buying these tins for many years I can't believe you don't know about them, they are prominently displayed in the supermarkets
 
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Reactions: joycelyn balfour
What is the matter with these unaustralian bastards..This is a call for all genuine aussies to instigate a full boycott!!
Really over a tin get a life🙀I like shopping with woollies.👍I don’t give a shit what anyone says bird head.🤣
 
  • Wow
Reactions: Veggiepatch
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 would be surprised how many buy these tins.. you are quite wrong to say people didn’t even know they exist before this .. the money from these sales helps support RSL veterans..as do the Anzac badges..
 
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!
That is not the point people who have fought in both wars love their traditional Anzac biscuit tins !!!!!!😡😡😡
 

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