Cadbury discontinues festive treat sparking outrage among fans - 'it's like getting rid of Santa'
Cadbury fans are devastated by the news
PA
Cadbury has sparked outrage among chocolate lovers by discontinuing their popular Festive Friends biscuits, a beloved Christmas tradition for many Britons.
As the festive season approaches, fans have been scouring shops for the familiar treat, only to discover its absence from shelves.
The half chocolate-covered, shaped biscuits have long been a staple of holiday snacking.
However, Cadbury has confirmed via social media that the product will no longer be available, leaving customers disappointed and questioning the decision to axe this festive favourite.
Customers have been scouring supermarket shelves in search of the treat
GETTY
The discontinuation of Festive Friends has sparked a flurry of disappointed reactions on social media.
One fan lamented: "Whats going on with the festive friends this year I cant find them anywhere? Christmas is getting ruined and its only September fuming."
Another user expressed their dismay, comparing the loss to a holiday icon: "Ive had festive friends since I was a child. Getting rid of them is like getting rid of Santa."
In response to the backlash, Cadbury has introduced Festive Animals as a replacement for the discontinued Festive Friends.
The company stated: "Our Cadbury Festive Friends aren't returning this year, but dont worry, we have our new Cadbury Festive Animals for you to try."
They explained that these are the same Animal biscuits customers know, but with new festive shapes.
Cadbury suggested enjoying them "dunked in a hot chocolate".
However, some fans have pointed out differences, noting that Animal biscuits are darker and smaller compared to the beloved Festive Friends.
Despite the controversy, some customers have embraced the new Festive Animals.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
The drop was largely due to food prices slowing sharply, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS)GETTYWhile many mourn the loss of Festive Friends, others have found joy in the new offering.
One positive review stated: "My children eat boxes of these every year, their favourite Christmas treat, I love them too! Absolutely delicious."
Earlier this month, Cadbury delighted customers by announcing it is bringing back seven of its classic packaging designs.
Packaging from 1915, 1940, 1961, 1980, 1993 and 2003 will join its 2024 packaging, it confirmed.