Cadbury has launched an investigation into its 99 Flakes after receiving complaints from ice cream van owners about discoloured products. The chocolate flakes, a staple of British summer treats, have reportedly arrived with a white tinge, making them look unappealing and unsellable.
Storage Issues Blamed
The problem is believed to stem from wholesalers storing the Flakes incorrectly in hot weather conditions. With summer temperatures expected to rise, the issue could worsen. Ice cream sellers have expressed concern about a potential shortage if the problem persists.
One ice cream seller who complained to Cadbury was advised to return the faulty Flakes to his wholesaler. He stated: "We're coming into summer. If we get a heatwave next week, Flakes are going to fly out. People expect Cadbury and I don't want to use other brands. 99 is an established name – you can't cheat and put something else in it. It's got to be a Cadbury Flake."
Cadbury's Response
A Cadbury spokesperson told The Sun: "We are reviewing what's happened to get back to the high-quality people expect from us." The company has not yet specified the exact cause of the discolouration or how it plans to resolve the issue.
The 99 Flake Tradition
The 99 Flake, typically served with soft-serve Mr Whippy ice cream, has been a beloved British treat for decades. The ice cream is made primarily from skim milk and cream, according to the trademarked Mr Whippy company.
The origin of the name "99" is often traced back to 1922 when Stefano Arcari, an Italian immigrant, opened an ice cream shop at 99 Portobello High Street in Scotland. He would break a traditional Flake in half and add it to his soft serve, creating the iconic combination.
With summer approaching, ice cream sellers are hoping Cadbury resolves the issue quickly to avoid disappointing customers during the peak season.
