Nestlé axes Tooty Frooties after almost 60 years as Rowntree’s overhauls sweet range
They've been discontinued because they aren't popular enough, says Nestlé
TOOTY Frooties sweets have been axed after almost 60 years as confectionery giant Nestlé gives its Rowntree’s range a makeover.
The multi-coloured sweets with hard sugar shells and a chewy fruity centre were quietly discontinued at the start of the year.
Nestlé has now confirmed that the sweets aren’t being made anymore.
The sugary treats have been on sale since 1963, when they were made by Mackintosh’s of Halifax – which later merged with Rowntree’s.
Nestlé, which bought Rowntree’s in 1988, said it’s axing the sweets because they aren’t popular enough.
A Nestlé spokesman said: “Sweet tastes and trends change over the years and Tooty Frooties have become much less popular in the decades since their launch.
“In 2019, people prefer the jelly and foamy sweets you find in Rowntree’s Randoms and that’s why we’ve decided to concentrate on new products under the Randoms brand.”
The axing comes as Nestlé gives the Rowntree’s range a makeover, with new logos and sharing bag designs for treats such as Fruit Pastilles and Jelly Tots.
One of the biggest changes is that the green sweets in Rowntree’s Randoms will now be apple flavour instead of lime.
Apple “proved more popular in testing,” according to the confectionery firm.
Randoms – which are randomly shaped fruit-flavoured sweeties – will also contain new shapes to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the treats being on sale.
The new shapes include a unicorn, a gnome and the number 10.
There are also some new products, including a limited edition Easter-themed version of its Rowntree’s Randoms.
In addition, there are 140g sharing bags of Randoms that only contain the “Squish’ems” (half foam, half jelly) or foamy sweets.
For the first time, there will be sour Randoms sweets that come in their own sharing bag.
All are on sale now at major retailers.
Hannah Smithson, assistant brand manager for Rowntree’s said: “We are so excited to announce all of this new news for Rowntree’s Randoms’.
“There is truly something for everyone in the new range whether you prefer the jelly Squish’ems, the foamy sweets or something a little more on the sour side.”
Nestlé created non-white Milkybar chocolate for the first time in 83 years earlier this month.
Last month, we revealed green tea match KitKats were finally coming to the UK.
There’s also a pink KitKat ruby Easter egg, which Tesco is selling for £10.
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