Famous but cancelled chocolate returns to Australian shelves
South Australian confectionary company Menz is bringing the Polly Waffle back – but in a slightly different form.
The Polly Waffle chocolate bar was introduced in 1947 by Hoadley’s Chocolates, which was then bought by Rowntree Mackintosch Confectionary in 1972, and acquired by Nestle in 1988.
Nestle discontinued the Polly Waffle in 2009 due to poor sales, with CEO at the time Fran Hernon saying it cost the company more to produce than it made in sales.
“Everybody says they love the Polly Waffle but the truth is no one buys it today. The time for it has been and gone,” he said at the time.
The public disagreed, with nearly 7000 dedicated fans liking a Facebook group dedicated to bringing the Polly Waffle back.
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The resurgence of the sweet was initially announced in 2019, but a number of delays have meant fans had to keep going without.
In a February Facebook post Menz CEO Phil Sims attributed the delays on variables including “COVID border closures,” and “updated retailer expectations”.
Sims said he appreciated “the patience of the Australian public during this process”.
“It’s been over ten years since customers last saw Polly Waffle on shelves, and we’re thrilled to bring an iconic Aussie treat back into their hands in the form of the Polly Waffle Bites,” he said.
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In the February post, Sims said Menz had tried to recreate the original Polly Waffle Bar, but were unable to.
“Creating a Polly Waffle Bite was the most responsible way to make bringing back the iconic brand a reality,” he said.
The 125g bags will go on sale this Friday April 12 for $5.50.
Independent South Australian retailers will be amongst the first to carry the confectionary, with Coles, Woolworths and all independent supermarkets, petrol and convenience stores rolling it out in the coming weeks.
