‘Ireland’s favourite ice cream’ has been suddenly discontinued, leaving fans in disbelief.
Ice cream makers HB have decided to discontinue the beloved Choc Ice, stating that it is “no longer as popular as it once was”.
A spokesperson said: “We are sorry to disappoint Choc Ice lovers with the discontinuation of this ice cream, but we have found that it is no longer as popular as it once was.
“We will continue to offer classics such as Iceberger, Brunch, and Loop the Loop, and are happy to say that we have also brought back our chocolate ice cream Feast in time for the sun to shine.”
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It appears the frozen treat has already been removed from supermarket freezers across Ireland. The Tesco website lists the product as “currently out of stock”, while SuperValu says it is “currently unavailable”.
The decision has sparked outcry among the Irish public. An online petition was started yesterday to save the ice cream and it has already received almost 800 signatures.
It ‘Bring Back the Choc Ice’ petition reads: “The beloved 'Choc Ice' has been discontinued. HP Ice-Cream has come to the decision as the once popular dessert is no longer as sought-after as it once was. We don't accept this and are asking the people of Ireland to come together and make our voices known, we want to keep the 'Choc Ice' on the shelves (of the freezer). For all ice-cream lovers, sign this petition and save the 'Choc Ice'.”
Independent Councillor with South Dublin County Council, Alan Hayes, is among those in disbelief. He wrote on the petition: “Choc ice is original and best. Why get rid of it? Force people to eat oversized and unnecessarily complex ice creams rather than the simple, retro and uniquely crispy choc ice.”
Another signatory said: “This is a staple of Ireland -and up until now HB had a brand with real value, this is absolutely the wrong decision. Please reconsider, find a way to keep producing it - important.”
Others described it as “a stapel of the Irish Summer”, “a part of our childhood” and “an Irish institution”.
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