Sweet treat lovers are devastated after three of Australia’s favorite lollipops – Red Ripperz, Sherbies and Milkos – disappeared from stores.
Manufacturer Allen’s has broken the hearts of sweet tooths and quietly stopped the little bursts of sugar-fueled joy, with one fan saying it was the “worst day” of their lives.
It hadn’t gone unnoticed that the iconic lollipops had been hard to find on store shelves for months, with many taking to social media to solve the mystery.
But in news no candy lover wanted to hear, Allen’s parent company Nestlé confirmed it has discontinued production of the trio of lollipops.
“We have temporarily discontinued our individual bags of Allen’s Red Ripperz Sticks, Sherbies and Milkos as we move production to our new location in Broadford,” said Melanie Chen, head of marketing confectionery at Nestlé. 7Life.
Sweet treat lovers are devastated after three of Australia’s favorite lollipops – Red Ripperz, Sherbies and Milkos – disappeared from stores
“We’re working hard to get these back on the shelves in their own pockets as soon as possible.”
Internet sleuths had been working on the case for some time before the official announcement, with one writing, “Has Red Ripperz been discontinued?”
“I’m looking for Red Ripperz and there’s no stock everywhere. It’s not even on Allen’s website. Did I miss any news or what’s going on?’
That Red Ripperz supporter was far from alone, while another asked, “Why is Red Ripperz sold out everywhere?” When will new stock arrive in Australia? All major supermarkets are sold out.’
Another asked, “when will Red Ripperz be back in stock?” I really want some. I’m so desperate.’
When news of the production break was made official, one heartbroken fan said, “This is the worst day of my life. Really, please bring them back here.’
In a sign that nostalgia knows no bounds, another poster took it all very personally.
NEWS FLASH! Everything that was good when we were kids has been discontinued because modern life is rubbish.”
Much to the relief of those who just can’t live without their favorite lollipops, Red Ripperz, Sherbies, and Milkos are still in Allen’s Chew Mix pouches – they just aren’t available in individual pouches.
Ms Chen has promised that the company will keep fans “updated on our Facebook page when individual bags come back.”
Red Ripperz was formerly known as Red Skins, but the name was changed in November 2020 after a public backlash that the old name was insensitive to Native Americans.
Chicos were renamed Cheekies at the same time.
“Nestlé has an unwavering commitment to upholding respect for our friends, neighbors and colleagues,” said Chris O’Donnell, general manager of the company’s confectionery division at the time.
‘We hope that Australians will support the evolution of these two beloved lollipops – although the names are new, the lollipops themselves remain unchanged.
“We’ll keep pack switching simple so lollipop lovers can easily find their favorites.”
Manufacturer Allen’s has quietly stopped the little bursts of sugar-fueled joy, with one fan saying it was the “worst day” of their lives. Sherbies are pictured
Milkos (pictured) along with Red Ripperz and Sherbies are still in bags of Allen’s Chew Mix, but are not available in separate bags
The latest bump in the lollipop world followed the announcement in June that Fantales was being discontinued after 93 years.
The chocolate-covered caramels, famous for featuring movie star stories on the wrappers, went out of production in July.
The decision came after declining sales and the need for significant and costly upgrades to continue making Fantales at Nestlé’s confectionery factory in Melbourne, the company said.
“We know that our decision to stop making Fantales will be sad news to many people,” said Andrew Lawrey, CEO of Nestlé Oceania Confectionery.
“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 has become increasingly difficult to get the parts we need to service the unit, and with declining sales replacements are not feasible,” said Mr Lawrey.
Fantales (pictured), the chocolate-covered caramel treats with movie star biographies on the wrapper, were discontinued in July
Fantales first emerged in 1930, when the Golden Age of Hollywood attracted many people to the cinema.
To keep up with the wave, the chewy caramels were wrapped with “fan stories” from actors and musicians on the wrapper.
The New York Times once called it Australia’s most defining lollipop.
In June 2015, Allen’s Spearmint Leaves and Green Frogs lollipops were permanently pulled from shelves after declining sales.