Cadbury has revealed it has removed a popular gift from its festive range, forcing fans to resort to drastic measures as they claim Christmas is “ruined”.
The chocolate baker is facing backlash after confirming that Festive Friends will not be returning to supermarket shelves in the run-up to Christmas.
Like Cadbury’s beloved Animals cookies, Festive Friends are bite-sized cookies, half-covered in milk chocolate and shaped like a variety of traditional Christmas characters, including Santa Claus, snowmen and reindeer.
Cadbury fans were looking forward to stocking up on the seasonal treat ahead of the festive season, but were left scratching their heads as they couldn’t find the much-loved biscuits in stores across the UK.
Fans took to social media in September to seek answers, but have since been left “heartbroken” after the chocolate giant confirmed its decision to discontinue the product.
One dedicated fan wrote: ‘Has Cadbury’s stopped selling Festive Friends? Because I haven’t seen any anywhere and I’m disappointed,’ to which another responded: ‘Both of you and me!!!’
In response, a Cadbury spokesperson wrote: “Hello, we can confirm that Festive Friends will be replaced by Festive Animals this Christmas.”
“We carefully consider any changes we make to our Christmas range and are sure you will enjoy this seasonal version of the much-loved Cadbury Animals biscuits.”
Cadbury is facing backlash after confirming that Festive Friends will not return to supermarket shelves in the run-up to Christmas.
Cadbury’s decision has been met with outrage, with fans expressing their disappointment, with one writing: “Cadbury won’t be making Festive Friends anymore.” Heartbroken.’
Another said: ‘Will Cadbury stop having holiday friends? Christmas is cancelled,” while a third wrote: “Just ruined, just said goodbye to festive friends, thank you very much Cadbury.”
A fourth added: “Excuse me Mr Cadbury, where have your festive friends gone?” RUINED Christmas.’
Defiant fans have banded together further to create a petition calling on Cadbury to revive the popular snack, with almost 100 signatures amassed to date.
On Change.org, one devoted fan, Steven Eastbury, wrote: “It seems as if Cadbury’s discontinuation of Festive Friends is like canceling Santa Claus at Christmas, taking away a part of our cherished Christmas celebrations.”
‘By bringing back Festive Friends, Cadbury would not only align with the wishes of its customers but also strengthen its presence in many homes during the festive season.
‘Let’s convince Cadbury to help us keep the Christmas spirit alive, year after year. Sign this petition to join us in urging Cadbury to bring back Festive Friends.’
To support Steven’s petition, click here to add your signature.
A spokesperson for Mondelēz International, which owns Cadbury UK, said Metro: ‘Festive Friends is being replaced by Festive Animals in Cadbury’s Christmas portfolio.
Cadbury’s decision sparked outrage, with fans expressing their disappointment on social media.
“Any changes to our product range are carefully considered and, as Festive Animals are a seasonal version of the much-loved Cadbury Animals biscuits, we are excited to add them to the portfolio this year.”
It comes after Cadbury came under fire earlier this week after confirming two more festive treats will not be returning to supermarkets this year.
Fans flocked to social media to demand answers after noticing that Dairy Milk Mousse Snowman and Dairy Milk Winter Orange Crisp bar had been absent from the Christmas sweets aisles in several supermarkets across the UK.
One chocolate fan stated on X: ‘@CadburyUK have you discontinued the Cadbury Chocolate Mousse Snowman? I can’t find them in any stores this year! #christmasisruined.’
Cadbury has responded to the outcry against