Fans of Caramac were devastated to learn earlier this week that the Nestlé chocolate bar is soon to be discontinued.
But none more so than Gary Millar, who loves the caramel-based sweet so much he was compelled to take action in the hope of keeping it on shelves.
The former Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor of Liverpool decided to start a petition showing demand for the treat, and has managed to rack up over 28,000 signatures.
Appealing to fellow fans and the product’s manufacturers alike, he wrote: ‘We cannot let this piece of confectionery history fade away without a fight.
‘By signing this petition, you are showing your support for preserving the production of Caramac bars and ensuring future generations can enjoy its unique taste as we have.’
Citing the £1.1 billion brought into the UK by the confectionery industry, Gary described the ‘iconic’ brand’s removal from stores as representing a ‘significant loss not only for those who enjoy Caramac bars but also for our shared cultural heritage.’
Gary’s love affair with Caramac goes way back to his childhood, as it was launched by Rowntree Mackintosh shortly after he was born.
He told Metro.co.uk: ‘I inherited my sweet tooth from my paternal grandad, who started me off on Scottish Tablet and later introduced me to Caramac deliciousness as I preferred it to chocolate.
‘We also used to laugh as the advertising tagline was “Silence is Golden” and my family suggested I should try it sometime – I was a chatterbox!’
When the semi-retired author, philanthropist and business coach heard the news of Nestlé’s plan to axe the product, he felt it could be the end of an era, saying: ‘Unlike the aforementioned advert, I don’t think it’s time to be silent.’
Gary calls the response to his petition ‘amazing’, and he hopes to make it to 100,000 signatures in order to drive a U-turn from its manufacturers.
He also has some advice for Nestlé, recommending they advertise Caramac more if they decide to keep it around.
‘Make it nostalgic, highlight that it also meets the sweet needs of those that either can’t eat chocolate or prefer chocolate alternatives,’ said Gary.
‘Plus, make sure the warehouses, distributors etc actually stock it so that supermarkets, newsagents and corner shops actually have it in stock – as it’s often been difficult to find!’
Many of his petition’s backers share similar sentiments, including one person who commented: ‘In a family with many who cannot eat cocoa, this little bar of indulgence has enabled them to be no different to those who can eat many other brands.
‘Furthermore, one of the reasons for the declining sales is because it has been impossible to walk into any shop and buy – we have all had to hunt a Caramac, and I’m sure many of us have had a totally ridiculous fit of excitement when finding them on shelves.’
Others shared their own stories of growing up enjoying the toffee-flavoured bars, or warned they planned to boycott Nestlé if the discontinuation went ahead.
‘A world without Caramac would be a dull and less interesting world for many who love the joys it truly brings to their lives,’ added one person.
Let’s hope their pleas don’t fall on deaf ears.
Sign the petition
If you’d like to join Gary in his efforts to save Caramac, you can sign the petition via Change.org via this link.
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