Forget toilet paper shortages, Australia is in the grip of a new supermarket crisis, with shoppers dramatically calling for buying limits to be introduced as a cult item is stripped from shelves.
Coles officially started selling Percy Pig lollies, a cultural sweet treat from the UK, on Wednesday after negotiating a deal with its British manufacturer, supermarket Marks & Spencer’s.
The arrival of Percy Pig, along with several other iconic M&S goodies, was met with huge applause from Aussies and expats alike, with some (me) declaring the move was going to “change everything about Australian life”.
But as stock finally landed in Coles’ more than 860 stores, many eager shoppers have been left disappointed after finding shelves have been left completely bare.
“They’re all gone, already,” said TikTok user @jack.stov after he headed into the supermarket.
In his video, the Brit currently living on the Gold Coast, was shocked to discover several empty spots where the lollies once were, so decided to pop into another store where he encountered another “unsuccessful mission”.
Another eager shopper shared a clip showing empty shelves after visiting “3 Coles in 2 states”, declaring it was a plight being shared by “every Brit in Aus right now”.
Meanwhile, another user shared footage of herself pouring an entire tray of the delicious raspberry and strawberry vegan gummies into a basket.
“So far I’ve had no luck in Melbourne stores,” noted someone else.
One chipped in: “Not to be dramatic, but I think we need buying limits on these, at least for the first few months.”
Coles told news.com.au that the launch of Marks & Spencer Food has been “an absolute hit Down Under”, adding it had been “overwhelmed” by the response.
“Our customers are eager to get their hands on iconic British favourites Percy Pig and Colin the Caterpillar,” the spokesperson said.
“The buzz in store and online has been incredible – Australians and Brits alike are embracing these beloved treats, which bring a touch of the UK to Aussie shelves.
“The range officially launches in store today and we can’t wait for even more customers to discover the unique flavours and quality that Marks & Spencer is known for.”
News.com.au understands that it is only the Original variety Percy Pig lollies that is sold out.
Others claimed the supermarket’s $6 price tag was “expensive”, stating the current price in M&S is £2 (about $4).
“You’d have to be desperate to spend $6 on 170g,” scoffed one.
“No way I’d pay $6 for a bag of lollies. Extortion,” agreed another.
Melbourne food blogger @nectoriouspapi said he was “confused” at the grumblings around cost, stating similar Aussie products had the same pricing.
“$6 is so reasonable for an imported product,” he told news.com.au.
“Allen’s cost $5. These are $6. I don’t understand why people are complaining.”
The vlogger, who co-hosts the Food Guys Podcast with fellow social media foodie Dub Eats Everything, added that he finally “understood the hype”.
“I’ve finally tried these and can confirm, I totally get it,” he explained.
“I feel it’s definitely the nostalgia for a lot of Brits living in Australia, but I also hear it’s because of the ingredients used and the fact the product is vegan.
“The texture and taste of those Percy Pig is amazing. I do love Allen’s lollies. But I totally get the hype about these. Yum. Fun. And everyone can enjoy them.”
