If you’re a peanut butter lover, you might want to sit down for this one. Sanitarium Health Food Company, a trusted name in the health food industry, has axed one of its most beloved products – and fans are NOT happy.
The Sad Truth: No More Sanitarium Peanut Butter
After 100 years of producing delicious peanut butter, Sanitarium has ceased production due to “declining customer demand”. The brand made the announcement, and fans are still reeling from the shock.
“We understand that this may be sad news to some consumers, and we sincerely apologise for any disappointment caused,” a spokesperson from Sanitarium told news.com.au.
The Writing Was on the Wall
Fans had been speculating about the disappearance of Sanitarium peanut butter from stores for months. On social media, users were left wondering what was going on.
“Seeking any extra light on the disappearance of all forms of Sanitarium peanut butter from usual outlets,” one concerned fan posted on Reddit.
A Pattern of Product Cuts?
This isn’t the first time Sanitarium has axed a product from its lineup. Just a few months ago, the brand announced it was ceasing production of cereals like Weet-Bix Clusters and Weeties in New Zealand. Production is set to halt by 2025.
A Bigger Picture: Industry Consolidation
Last month, it was confirmed that Sanitarium could buy out its arch-rival, Uncle Toby’s Vita Brits. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) gave the green light, stating that Australians “don’t typically switch between the two”.
What Does This Mean for Consumers?
According to Philip Williams, the ACCC commissioner, “We tested the closeness of competition between the Weet-Bix and Vita Brits products and found that consumers do not typically switch between the two.”
So, what’s next for peanut butter lovers? Will Sanitarium’s decision to axe its peanut butter range spark a change in the industry? Only time will tell.