That's a wrap on iconic Aussie favourite

<p>Allen's Sweets have confirmed the end of production of the iconic Fantales, after being on Aussie shelves for almost a century. </p> <p>Manufacturer Nestlé made the shock announcement on Tuesday that the chocolate-coated caramels would stop being produced in July. </p> <p>The decision to pull the fan favourite lollies from shelves follows a rapid decline in sales and the need for significant and expensive upgrades to continue to make Fantales at Nestlé’s Melbourne confectionery factory, the company said.</p> <p>“We know our decision to stop making Fantales will be sad news for many people,” Nestlé Oceania Confectionery General Manager Andrew Lawrey said in a statement.</p> <p>“Many of us grew up with Fantales and have fond memories of them."</p> <p>“Despite the sense of nostalgia Fantales evoke, unfortunately people simply aren’t buying them as often as they used to.”</p> <p>Confirming the news that sales of the iconic sweet have dropped, experienced IGA shelf stacker Claudia Byatt says, "I worked at IGA for 5 years. They do not sell. And girl fr [for real], no one is buying Minties either."</p> <p>Despite the lack of sales, experienced Fantales eater Natasha Clarke fired back, "I buy them and i'm who matters!!"</p> <p>Lawrey went on to say the equipment needed to make Fantales needs significant investment.</p> <p>“It’s become increasingly difficult to get the parts we need to maintain it, and with declining sales, replacing it isn’t viable,” Mr Lawrey said.</p> <p>Fantales were first created in 1930, when the Golden Age of Hollywood saw people flocking to the cinema. </p> <p>To ride the wave of movie magic, the delectable chewy caramels were wrapped with ‘fan tales’ of actors and musicians on its wrappers, to the delight of quiz fans and "fun fact" enthusiasts. </p> <p>Mr Lawrey wanted to assure those with a sweet tooth that other Allen's favourites are here to stay. </p> <p>“While investment in the future of Fantales is not sustainable, we’re continuing to invest in our other Allen’s lollies, including fan favourites such as Snakes Alive, Party Mix and Minties,” Mr Lawrey said.</p> <p>The news of the beloved Fantales leaving shelves had Aussies up in arms, with many believing they are a staple of Australian culture. </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">WHAT?! Fantales are ending?! I always assumed they'd just exist for the rare occasion I want to revisit my childhood.</p> <p>— Dani (@danikiemel) <a href="https://twitter.com/danikiemel/status/1671311976172228608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">It’s just not a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/straya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#straya</a> without <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Fantales?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Fantales</a></p> <p>— creatrixZBD (@zbdEmanuelle) <a href="https://twitter.com/zbdEmanuelle/status/1671320060483493888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Dentists retirement plans rely heavily on Fantales, Minties &amp; White Knights. Oh and those little toffees with sprinkles in paper at school fair days! <a href="https://t.co/tywtqeW9BQ">https://t.co/tywtqeW9BQ</a></p> <p>— PolarK (@Karina_Melbs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Karina_Melbs/status/1671325235327688704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Goodbye Fantales. You helped me through many boring briefings, meetings, seminars and workshops.</p> <p>— waggacrow | @waggacrow@toot.site (@waggacrow) <a href="https://twitter.com/waggacrow/status/1671309285010321408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>The last production of Fantales will be in mid-July, and Fantales will be available for sale while stocks last.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Nestlé</em></p>

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