Fantales, Australia’s iconic chocolate covered caramels that have kept dentists in business and children entertained on long car trips (in The Land Before Devices) for almost a century, have had their final curtain call.
It turns out that after 6.9 billion of the filling seeking chewy suckers being made since 1930, not that many of us are buying them anymore, and the equipment to make them needs a significant upgrade, which requires significant investment.
Nestlé Oceania Confectionery general manager Andrew Lawrey said, “We know our decision to stop making Fantales will be sad news for many people. Many of us grew up with Fantales and have fond memories of them. Despite the sense of nostalgia Fantales evoke, unfortunately people simply aren’t buying them as often as they used to.”
Regarding the equipment, a Nestlé spokesperson told Food & Drink Business the Fantales line was one of the company’s oldest, with much of it dating back to the 1960s.
“Our Fantales equipment needs significant investment. It’s become increasingly difficult to get the parts we need to maintain it, and with declining sales, replacing it isn’t viable.”
He added that while Fantales might be discontinued, Nestlé will continue to invest in other Allen’s lollies like Snakes Alive, Party Mix, and Minties.
All the employees from the Fantales production line will move to other roles within the factory.
The last production will be in mid-July.
