Chocolate giant Cadbury Caramilk has returned recently to Aussie shores.
Australians are trying get their hands on the popular product. Caramilk made a brief experience on supermarket shelves last week, but now has disappeared again.
Paul Chatfield, associate director of Everyday Chocolate, said that even in the first few days in store in Australia, Cadbury Caramilk is already flying off the shelves.
“When Cadbury Caramilk was brought back for a limited time in New Zealand last year, we saw Kiwis selling blocks online to Australian buyers for over $30 a block. Given the demand from Aussie consumers, we’ve now brought a limited quantity to Australian retailers and feedback from the first stores to have the block on shelf is that they’re disappearing fast,” he told Inside FMCG.
“Cadbury Caramilk is arriving on shelves at retailers across the country this week, but given stock is limited, we’d recommend Cadbury lovers get in quick before it disappears. Bringing back an old favourite presents a lot of challenges from a product development perspective. Unlike developing an entirely new product, when we bring back an old favourite we need to ensure we’re delivering a taste experience that matches people’s recollection of the product. Often people have a very positive, nostalgic view of a heritage product and the feedback from consumers to date has been that Cadbury Caramilk matches what they enjoyed about the original.”
Cadbury Caramilk’s golden blend of caramelised white chocolate was reportedly priced at $150 for a pack of seven on Ebay, about $21 each, which is more than eight times the retail price at supermarket giants.
“We saw how Aussies responded to the limited run of Cadbury Caramilk available across the ditch last year, so we jumped at the chance to get hold of stock for our customers this time around. It has been extremely popular and we’re pleased many customers have been able to enjoy this limited edition favourite,” Woolworths spokesperson told Inside FMCG.
The chocolate bars were last on sale 20 years ago. It was re-introduced in New Zealand, Kiwis were found selling the bars online for $50 a block, according to 9Honey Kitchen.
Even Change.org has a petition online to bring back Caramilk to Australia which worked for New Zealand.
“After a night crying in my sleep as I lay in a foetal position, I woke up with a new-found purpose,” the petition’s creator Trent O’Toole wrote. “It’s time for Cadbury Australia to sit up and take notice. Cadbury New Zealand listened and now we need to make Cadbury Australia listen too.”
Australian Caramilk fans have also created a Facebook page dedicated to bring back the chocolate block.
“Valid question! If Caramilk is so popular why don’t you make it permanent?” said Haley Krissansen on Cadbury’s Facebook page.
“If somebody could please send a block of Cadbury Caramilk my way because it’s sold out at every Coles and Woolies. I’ve checked I shall erect a monument in your name,” said Zina Joy on Twitter.
The New Daily also reported when Cadbury Caramilk reappeared in New Zealand, million bars were sold in merely three weeks, some Kiwis buying blocks for $5 from supermarkets and selling them for more than the price on eBay.
Now Australians have to wait with baited breath and see if the popular chocolate makes it back on shelves.
