Cadbury has launched an internal investigation following complaints from ice cream van operators about a white discoloration appearing on their iconic 99 Flake chocolate sticks. These flakes, a staple accompaniment to ice cream cones, have recently been reported to look unappealing due to a ropy or chalky white tinge, rendering them unsellable.
The issue reportedly originates from improper storage conditions by wholesalers during the recent UK heatwave. Several vendors noted that the heat seemed to accelerate the appearance of the discoloration, which affects the product’s visual appeal despite not compromising its quality.
One Mr Whippy vendor remarked: “As we move into the summer season, and with the possibility of further heatwaves, we expect demand for 99 Flakes to soar. Customers expect authentic Cadbury products, and we can’t substitute with other brands. The 99 Flake name stands for quality and tradition.”
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Cadbury has acknowledged the issue and stated: “We are actively reviewing the situation to ensure we meet the high standards our consumers expect.”
The 99 Flake name itself has a storied history. While many assume it relates to the price of the ice cream cone, Cadbury explains that the true origin is less clear, with one popular theory linking it to the Italian monarchy. According to this account, a Cadbury sales manager noticed Italian ice cream makers, originally from Italy, slicing chocolate fingers and inserting them into cones. The term ‘99’ referred to an elite royal guard of 99 men, symbolizing something premium or first-class—hence the name ‘99 Flake.’
Last year, sellers also faced shortages of Cadbury Flakes due to supply chain disruptions and a spike in demand in the UK and Ireland. Mondelez International, Cadbury’s parent company, attributed the shortages to global supply challenges and unexpected customer demand increases. They assured the public that efforts are ongoing to resolve stock issues and to allocate products fairly among distributors based on forecasts.