The food industry: What a roller coaster of emotion! Just when we thought we’d figured out how to let go for good, iconic brands like Hellmann’s stage a comeback that makes us rethink our entire relationship with snack food. What’s the most recent development? Prepare to be startled: Nesquik is making a graceful bow.
A Saga of the Nesquiks: Hearing that our favourite Nesquik was going to be phased out made for a bittersweet weekend. As of the 21st of August, 2023, Nestlé South Africa will no longer sell chocolate and strawberry milk drinks in either the 250g or 500g sizes. Their explanation? Sales were not high enough to warrant keeping the product in stock.
However, there’s a catch!
It’s important to keep in mind that some major stores have a talent for revitalising our cherished brands before we drown our sorrows in a final nostalgic Nesquik. Do we have any other options for supply chains?
Let’s take a trip down memory lane to learn about a time when Hellmann’s mayonnaise played hard to get. Unilever discontinued Hellmann’s mayonnaise at the beginning of the year. who is to blame? The high costs of importing from the United States, poor customer demand, and rising raw material prices.
But by June, Pick n Pay had arrived on the scene like a retail hero bearing a jar of Hellmann’s mayonnaise. Pick n Pay’s head of food and grocery, Calvin Watson, recalls the customers’ shock. ‘Our customers were horrified,’ he said. Because of this, we got down to business and conducted an international search for the mayonnaise.
Cadbury’s Dream:
- The Goodbye: Our white chocolate dreams were crushed when Cadbury’s decided to shelve this creamy delight.
- The Comeback: Thanks to vocal fans and a few zealous campaigns, Dream is back and melting hearts (and in our mouths) again.
Marathon Bar:
- The Farewell: This nutty caramel chocolate bar took a hiatus, leaving a Marathon-shaped hole in our snack stashes.
- The Revival: Rebranded as Snickers, it re-entered the scene, proving that while names change, good taste doesn’t.
Creme Soda-flavoured Steri Stumpie:
- The Adieu: The legendary Creme Soda-flavoured milk drink was sidelined, causing many to long for its unique taste.
- The Return: Due to massive public demand and an undeniable nostalgia factor, it found its way back to the refrigerated section.
Snack-time Plot Twist:
- Milkybar Choo: The chewy toffee version of Milkybar left us too soon, but its return had fans stocking up in bulk, lest history repeat itself.
- Lays Salt & Vinegar: Lays shocked the nation by discontinuing this classic flavor. But thanks to persistent public outcry, it’s gracing our snack bowls once more.
The South African snack graveyard: where brands like Nesquik and Hellmann’s go to die. Several long-time staples have mysteriously vanished, leaving behind just fond memories and unsatisfied appetites. foods such as Peck’s and Redro fish paste, as well as savoury spreads like Chocolate Log and Tempo, and snacks like Simba tomato chips.
Supply and demand have always tangoed in a way that is full of twists and turns. While some businesses retire quietly, others make a triumphant comeback. I don’t know. Perhaps there will be a Nesquik sequel. So, here’s to keeping a little faith and maybe a few of backup vendors on hand at all times.
