Australian chocolate biscuit Tim Tam is in the middle of a messy crisis right now. With its manufacturer increasing its prices, suppliers are having a hard time keeping the beloved treat in stock - causing consumers to believe that there is a shortage.
Tim Tam manufacturer, Arnott's even went so far as to deny Australian supermarket giant Coles with supplies - and chocolate lovers were not happy.
The whole dispute stems from the price increase, which Coles can't seem to fathom. According to Mashable:
"The supply crisis was triggered by Coles refusing to accept a price increase, according to a statement from Coles provided via email to Mashable Australia. Arnott's proposed an up to 10% price rise on 54 products effective Oct. 12, including Scotch Finger, Teddy Bear, Monte Carlo, TeeVee Snacks, and of course, the Tim Tam."
After the supermarket disagreed with the new prices, Arnott's put a halt on supplies in early October. In addition, Arnott's declined to satisfy any orders from Coles for two weeks.
In its statement to Mashable Australia, Arnott's said it wanted to guarantee "concerned Aussies that there is no shortage of supply of our famous biscuits, including Tim Tam. They remain available for sale to all of our customers in Australia at our standard wholesale price."
They continued, "Like any business, we do review our prices and increased our wholesale prices in October."
Meanwhile, a Coles spokesman talked to Business Insider on Tuesday, who said:
"Coles has made a commitment to bring down the cost of shopping for our customers, and we have been doing that every year for the past six years. [...] So when a major international manufacturer decides they will unilaterally force through a price hike without justification, we will resist that."
A Coles executive also added, "They had a gun to our head."
Thankfully, Coles claims that they still sell Tim Tams in different varieties, after succumbing to the price increase from Arnott's. However, 10 biscuit varieties have seen their demise, including the Zumbo and Chocolicious Tim Tam.
