Iconic Australian chocolate treat is discontinued after 93 years
Fantales, one of Australia’s most iconic lollipops, is being discontinued after nearly a century.
Manufacturer Nestle made the shocking announcement on Tuesday that its chocolate-covered caramels, famous for movie star stories on the wrappers, would no longer be produced from next month.
The decision follows declining sales and the need for significant and costly upgrades to continue making Fantales at Nestlé’s confectionery factory in Melbourne, the company said.
Fantales is discontinued in Australia after 93 years
“We know that our decision to stop making Fantales will be sad news to many people,” Nestlé Oceania Confectionery General Manager Andrew Lawrey said in a statement.
“Many of us grew up with Fantales and have fond memories of them.
“Despite the sense of nostalgia that Fantales evoke, unfortunately people don’t buy them as often as they used to.”
He said the equipment needed to make Fantales requires significant investment.
“It’s getting harder and harder to get the parts we need to service it, and with declining sales, replacement isn’t feasible,” said Mr. Lawrey.
The chocolate-covered caramel confections — which include movie star biographies on the wrappers — will no longer be made next month
Fantales were first created in 1930, when the Golden Age of Hollywood brought people flocking to the movies.
To ride the wave, the chewy caramels were packaged with “fan stories” from actors and musicians on the wrappers.
The New York Times once called it Australia’s most defining lollipop.
“While investing in the future of Fantales is not sustainable, we will continue to invest in our other Allen’s lollipops, including fan favorites such as Snakes Alive, Party Mix and Minties,” said Mr. Lawrey.
Fantales were first created in 1930 – and for generations the brand has been synonymous with movies, with its famous ‘fan stories’ of actors and musicians on the packaging.
The last production of Fantales will be in mid-July and Fantales will be on sale while supplies last.
Nestle said all Fantales production line personnel will move to other positions within the factory.
