Toblerone Discontinues Dark Chocolate Bar in the UK
The 360g dark chocolate bar, first introduced in 1969, will no longer be sold in the UK due to changing consumer tastes and rising cocoa prices
The dark chocolate version of Toblerone's most popular bar has been discontinued after nearly six decades on confectionery shelves.
The food manufacturer confirmed that its 360g dark chocolate bar would no longer be sold in the UK, citing changing tastes and growing business as reasons for the discontinuation.
The original Toblerone bar was first invented in 1908, with a dark chocolate version containing 50% cocoa released in 1969. The brand's distinctive triangular shape is thought to have been inspired by the Matterhorn in the Alps.
A number of different versions have been released since its creation, including a white chocolate version and a fruit and nut version.
The decision comes as the UK heads into the Easter bank holiday weekend, when chocolate sales are expected to be elevated.
However, the industry has suffered from rising cocoa prices in recent years, reaching a record high in December, driven by a sharp fall in cocoa production.
The price of chocolate rose by 13.6% in the year to March, according to official figures.
Cocoa production has been affected by poor harvests from major producing countries, including Ghana and the Ivory Coast, due to ageing farmers, declining yields, and climate change issues.
Unusually dry weather in West Africa has also impacted crops in recent years.
The food manufacturer confirmed that its 360g dark chocolate bar would no longer be sold in the UK, citing changing tastes and growing business as reasons for the discontinuation.
The original Toblerone bar was first invented in 1908, with a dark chocolate version containing 50% cocoa released in 1969. The brand's distinctive triangular shape is thought to have been inspired by the Matterhorn in the Alps.
A number of different versions have been released since its creation, including a white chocolate version and a fruit and nut version.
The decision comes as the UK heads into the Easter bank holiday weekend, when chocolate sales are expected to be elevated.
However, the industry has suffered from rising cocoa prices in recent years, reaching a record high in December, driven by a sharp fall in cocoa production.
The price of chocolate rose by 13.6% in the year to March, according to official figures.
Cocoa production has been affected by poor harvests from major producing countries, including Ghana and the Ivory Coast, due to ageing farmers, declining yields, and climate change issues.
Unusually dry weather in West Africa has also impacted crops in recent years.
