‘Gone from shelves’: Popular chip discontinued at Coles, Woolies

A popular chip brand has announced it is retiring after just 10 years in Australia, citing “tough” conditions for the decision.

A popular Aussie snack has been discontinued “due to insufficient levels of consumer demand” – leaving fans of the potato chip devastated.

Tyrrells was created in England back in 2002, before it began importing the famous chips to Australia 12 years later.

Shortly after landing a deal to be sold exclusively at Coles, the UK-based company acquired Yarra Valley Snack Foods, creating the company’s first manufacturing facility outside the Herefordshire farm on which it was founded.

It spent $6 million importing fryers and spinners to the Victoria-based factory in order to recreate the English “crisps” using locally farmed potatoes, and even secured a government grant to help expand the Tyrrells operation.

But fast-forward 10 years, and Snackbrands Australia – the new name for the umbrella company that manufactures Tyrrells along with a string of other popular chips – has confirmed it will no longer make Tyrrells chips for Australia.

“We always aim to bring delicious snacks to our consumers in line with their needs, however we sadly had to retire the Tyrrells brand from market due to insufficient levels of consumer demand,” a spokesperson told news.com.au.

“We realise that there will always be true lovers of the brand out there, however we need to balance the requirements of our consumers as well as our retail partners when making these tough decisions.”

It is understood the factory will continue to produce Tyrrells for its Asia-Pacific markets.

British crisp brand Tyrrells launched in Australia back in 2014. Picture: Supplied

The company then purchased a factory in Victoria with the support of the State Government, making Australia its first location outside of England where Tyrrells is produced. Picture: Norm Oorloff

Those who had already noticed the cult-chip was missing from Coles and Woolies shelves have shared their disappointment at the brutal axing, describing it as “really sad news”.

“Gone from their shelves without warning or even clearance tags. Didn’t even get a chance to stock up,” ranted one disappointed Aussie on Reddit.

“These were f**king good, made in Australia with Aussie potatoes, and at $3.80 for 165g. Price does what it says, without stupid price hikes and fake offers,” raged another.

“This is really sad news, Tyrells are definitely one of my favourites, especially the cheddar and chive flavour,” shared someone else.

The brand is no longer going to be sold at Coles and Woolworths supermarkets due to ‘insufficient levels of consumer demand’. Picture: NCA Newswire

Meanwhile one added the news was “really disappointing”, describing Tyrrells as “the best chips on the shelves”.

“These are the king of chips and I am heartbroken,” mused one more.

Snackbrands Australia said Tyrrells fans could find “great alternatives” in its range, suggesting its Kettle and Natural Chip Company brands.

“For anyone still keen to get their hands on Tyrrells, they will continue to be sold for the foreseeable future in certain Harris Farm outlets,” the spokesperson added.

Coles and Woolworths both confirmed to news.com.au the brand was no longer on sale in its stores.

Originally published as ‘Gone from shelves’: Popular chip discontinued at Coles, Woolies