Biscuit war: Coles refuses Tim Tams price hikes
Australia’s favourite biscuit is now locked in a not-so-sweet war over price hikes with Australian supermarket giant Coles.
Arnott’s - the makers of Tim Tams - have reportedly refused to supply the retail giant with six varieties of the biscuit after the supermarket chain refused to accept an ‘unjustified’ 10 per cent price increase.
Coles will no longer be stocking the Tim Tam multi-packs as well as the coconut cream, choc-raspberry and salted caramel varieties.
In October the dispute began when Arnott’s demanded price rises of up to 10 per cent.
"Arnott's blockade Coles from TimTams." Isn't this how the Phantom Menace started? 😒 #timtams #starwars @Coles @CampbellArnotts
— Erin (@ErynLuin) November 30, 2015
Some of the items initially included in the price hikes were Scotch Finger, Teddy Bear, Monte Carlo and TeeVee Snacks.
Social media has since gone into overdrive with fans of the sweet snack speaking out.
I agree.. Give me a Monte Carlo anyday... https://t.co/ITS6GpUBS2
— Samantha Armytage (@sam_armytage) November 30, 2015
John Durkan, the Coles managing director, told The Australian that the chain would reject the price increase for Tim Tams as Arnott's 'refused' to give them the detail.
'When we refused the cost increase, Arnott's refused to supply us,' he said.
That sad moment when reaching the end #timtams pic.twitter.com/TOA7c7CGPV
— Jess (@jess_gonzalez4) November 26, 2015
A statement has been released by Coles: “When a major international manufacturer decides they will unilaterally force through a price hike without justification, we will resist that.”
“Our average family shopper spends around $150 per week on food and groceries, and they don’t have the spare cash laying around to give to Campbell’s-Arnotts every time they decide to put their prices up.”
New flavors of #TimTam sent airmail from my #Aussie penpal! @TimTam @ArnottsBikkies #Australia pic.twitter.com/ueDi91DCCG
— Jaye (@dcfoodpr0n) June 11, 2015
Arnott's and Campbell's products no longer stocked at Coles:
Tim Tam Zumbo Coconut Cream 165 gram
Tim Tam Zumbo Choc Raspberry 165 gram
Tim Tam Zumbo Salted Caramel 171 gram
Chocolicious Tim Tam Multipack: Caramel 191 gram
Chocolicious Tim Tam Multipack: Dark 187 gram
Chocolicious Tim Tam Multipack: Original 187 gram
Twisted Faves Monte Carlo: Salted Caramel 250 gram
Twisted Faves Shortbread: Strawberry Cream 250 gram
Arnott's Chocolate Biscuits: Royal Dark 200 gram
Arnott's Cheeseboard
Campbell's Real Stock: Beef 500ml
Campbell's Real Stock: Chicken 500ml
Campbell's Real Stock: Vegetable 500ml
Campbell's Real Stock: Chicken (salt reduced) 500ml
Yahoo7 has reached out to Arnott’s for comment.
NEWS BREAK DECEMBER 1