Toblerone, the iconic Swiss chocolate brand, has confirmed the discontinuation of its beloved Toblerone Dark (360g) bars in the UK, leaving fans heartbroken. The decision, described by a spokesperson from Mondelez, the brand's owner, as a "difficult decision," has sparked a wave of disappointment among chocolate lovers who have long cherished the dark chocolate variation.
"While we understand that this may be disappointing for some consumers, we continue to invest in Toblerone," the spokesperson added, attempting to reassure fans amidst the uproar. The discontinuation comes as a shock, particularly since the dark chocolate variant has been a staple for over 50 years, first hitting the shelves in 1969.
Fans of the chocolate have taken to social media to express their dismay. One user on X, formerly known as Twitter, lamented, "Has dark chocolate Toblerone been discontinued in the UK as unable to find in shops or online?" Another Facebook user echoed the sentiment, asking, "Does anyone know selling mini dark Toblerone? I can get a mixed bag but only like the dark ones." The frustration is palpable, as shoppers have scoured stores for months, hoping to find the treat.
The dark chocolate Toblerone, which features rich dark chocolate combined with honey and almond nougat, has garnered a loyal following. One reviewer described it as "possibly the best chocolate, if you can eat almonds and nougat with dark chocolate," highlighting its unique flavor profile. The product description emphasizes its appeal: "Swiss chocolate with honey and almond nougat (10%). Rich dark chocolate with delectable honey and almond nougat. Unique triangles of delicious dark chocolate to give as a gift or share with family and friends. Suitable for vegetarians."
Despite the discontinuation, other variants of Toblerone, including milk and white chocolate options, remain available in supermarkets and duty-free shops worldwide. However, the absence of the dark chocolate version has led to inflated prices on platforms like Amazon, where multi-packs are reportedly being sold for as much as £25.
The news of Toblerone's discontinuation follows a trend in the chocolate industry where several beloved products have been axed in recent years. In 2023, Mars discontinued its dark chocolate Bounty, prompting similar outcry from fans who expressed that it was "bad for their mental health."
Historically, Toblerone has faced challenges related to its production and branding. The chocolate was invented in Switzerland by Theodor Tobler and Emil Baumann in 1908, and its name is a clever play on the founders' surname and the Italian word for nougat, "Torrone." However, last year, the company was banned from using the iconic image of the Swiss Matterhorn mountain peak on its packaging after moving production from Switzerland to Bratislava, Slovakia. This move was in violation of the Swissness Act, which mandates that products claiming to be "Swiss made" must have at least 80% of their raw materials sourced from Switzerland.
In an effort to maintain its Swiss identity, Mondelez announced plans to invest 65 million Swiss francs (£60 million) into its manufacturing plant in Bern, Switzerland. Iain Livingston, President of Toblerone & World Travel Retail, stated, "Toblerone is one of the most famous chocolate brands in the world with tremendous potential." He emphasized the importance of the Swiss facility in the brand's growth strategy.
Tim Spickenbaum, director of the production facility in Bern, added, "Our plant has been a cornerstone of the Toblerone production for decades. Already today we manufacture on average 4 million Toblerone products per production day." The planned modernizations and investments are expected to enhance manufacturing capacity and solidify Bern's status as the heart of the triangular chocolate brand.
As the chocolate market continues to evolve, fans are left wondering if any beloved products will return. While some have made a comeback, like the Milky Way Crispy Rolls, which returned after a three-year hiatus, the future of Toblerone Dark remains uncertain. The discontinuation has sparked conversations about changing consumer tastes and the impact of market trends on product availability.
For now, chocolate lovers will have to make do with the remaining varieties of Toblerone, while mourning the loss of the dark chocolate version. The outpouring of grief on social media highlights the deep connection many have with this iconic treat, a connection that transcends mere taste and speaks to the nostalgia and memories associated with it.
In a world where chocolate bars come and go, the discontinuation of Toblerone Dark serves as a reminder of the shifting landscape of consumer preferences and the bittersweet nature of change in the confectionery industry.
