Tip Top has discontinued two of its most popular flavours, the 2-litre tubs of Cookies and Cream and Goody Goody Gumdrops, causing outrage among Kiwis online.
An employee for supermarket operator Foodstuffs, which owns Pak’nSave, New World and Four Square, confirmed to the Herald that the tub range of icecream had been discontinued by the supplier.
The reason for withdrawing the products has been blamed on “significant cost pressures” on milk and cream, head of Tip Top Ben Schurr told 1News in a statement.
People have taken to social media to voice their displeasure at the decision, some calling for other flavours to be dropped instead.
One reader said on social media: “Hey, everyone!....I realise that we all have different views on a number of issues; but we need to put those differences aside and unite to act against this injustice.”
Another was glad their favourite flavour wasn’t cancelled: “Thank goodness it’s not orange chocolate chip!”
Added another reader: “Phew...I’d die if it was hokey pokey.”
One sad fan said: “Goody goody gumdrop is an NZ icon, a childhood right of passage! Such a shame for our children and future generations.”
Cookies and Cream was voted New Zealanders’ third-favourite ice cream flavour in a survey for the Weekend Herald in 2010. Goody Goody Gumdrops trailed in sixth place in the survey.
Dairy owners told the Weekend Herald at the time Cookies and Cream was a favourite and was requested mainly by children, teenagers and young adults.
In the aftermath of the news, social media users have vowed to start buying other brands’ similar flavours.
Tip Top has made no official announcement but has been approached for comment.
