Facebook ‘crus-ade’ leads to return of an ‘80s classic

July 9, 2012

Facebook ‘crus-ade’ leads to return of an ‘80s classic

A simple request by a husband to his wife has lead to the return of an ‘80s favourite biscuit – and a life-changing experience for one Kiwi mum.

More than 14,500 votes were cast by New Zealanders to bring back Choco-ades – the biscuit with an orange flavoured filling and chocky top that was popular over two decades ago.

The campaign to encourage Griffin’s to re-launch the biscuit was spearheaded by 35-year-old mum Amber Johnson after her husband asked her to find his favourite childhood biscuit, which happened to be hers too.

Amber started a Facebook page that quickly attracted a groundswell of support and was soon noticed by the original Choco-ade baker Griffin’s. The vote was put to the public and the biscuits were put into production. The first batch has now rolled off the production line and will be hitting supermarket shelves from today (July 9).

“I can’t quite believe it!” says Amber. “I never thought Griffin’s would listen to my request, but they have and I am so thrilled that the biscuits are back.

“I have such fond memories of eating Choco-ade bikkies with my nanna when I went to stay with her as a kid – they were our little treat. Biting in to them today brings back all those special memories, and I must admit my husband is pretty happy too!”

As well as being responsible for getting Griffin’s to bring back Choco-ades, the biscuit maker is also involving Amber in the campaign to spread the word to New Zealanders. Amber is fronting the television commercial which airs later in July and has been involved in tasting to help make sure the biscuit is as close to the original as possible.

Griffin’s marketing director Josette Prince says Amber deserves all the recognition she’s getting for mobilising the masses which has lead to the return of Choco-ade biscuits after more than two decades.

“We noticed Amber’s Facebook page soon after she started it and we were blown away by the amount of support there was and the genuine love of Choco-ades,” says Josette.

“With so much support and passion we couldn’t help but listen and so Choco-ade biscuits are back and New Zealanders have Amber Johnson to thank for this great Kiwi comeback.”

The first 50 official packets of Choco-ade biscuits are currently being auctioned on Trade Me with bids closing on July 12. Proceeds of the auction are being donated to Plunket, Amber’s chosen charity.

Choco-ade biscuits are available from supermarkets nationwide from Monday, July 9. For more information visit www.facebook.com/GriffinsNZ

ENDS

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