Forum Thermomix
Welcoming Center, Management and General Chat => Chit Chat => Topic started by: EmeraldSue on January 23, 2013, 06:56:07 am
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I have been buying this cocoa for some time now, and have found it to be excellent - rich and chocolatety. When I recently replaced my almost empty box, I discovered that not only had the packaging changed, but so have the contents. It is now in a foil bag instead of a box, and is no longer made in Germany. I have been told that the contract with the German manufacturer has not been renewed, and it is now sourced from New Zealand.
So, if you find the cocoa in the box still in your store, I suggest you buy it up as it is no longer the same:(
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Thanks for that ES . . . pardon the scepticism . .but I'm sure if they're saying it is now made in NZ (or anywhere else for that matter!) it's more than likely that the ingredients themselves are being sourced elsewhere and unless I miss my guess, there are more numbers in the equation IYKWIM!! >:(
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I always use this coco, will try and buy some if there is any left.
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That's a real shame :(
It was affordable real Dutch cocoa....now we'll be paying a lot more for it at a specialty deli :-\
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They just have to spoil things don't they >:(
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Darn, I really like this cocoa. I'll be stocking up next week when I shop then. I have bought expensive dutch cocoa before and the Woolies one was exactly the same (I tasted both at the same time) and a lot cheaper.
Just hoping the new stuff doesn't come from China. Does NZ even grow cacao?
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Answer Nikkit - NO!!!! Unfortunately New Zealand is being used as a back door into Australia. I know that some of the frozen vegetables that Woolworths sell come from China but on the packet it say's manufactured or packaged in New Zealand. I spoke to a store manager who told me that the only way you can be sure it's from a certain country is for the package to be printed product of.....
and then you can't really be sure!!!!
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I really liked this cocoa too, had a look today and only the new one in, I noticed the other day in Woolworths there frozen chips are from the Netherlands, thought we grew potatoes here ::)
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Yes I bought some the other day. It is in a bag and smaller size too.
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We really are being conned in more ways than one aren't we? I was in the Spud Shed the other day and everything was soooo cheap, got a little excited at the thought of stocking the freezer with a few things - until I looked at where it all came from - China. Yep, I put it all back.
Ahhhh don't get me started, not too sure if my horse will be high enough today ;D
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Oh, no, I love this cocoa too. And as much as I like to buy local, I'd rather stick with this than get something not as good. I'm sure it's not being grown here anyway.
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None at my store either.
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None at woolies gc, looked yesterday :(
Thanks for the tip Trudy. All my fresh fruit & veg is aussie farmers but I do buy frozen peas, corn & green beans. So we need to look for Product of Australia.
:)
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Frozen products are bad for coming from NZ and actually being grown in China. I won't buy anything from China. I know I am a fuss pot but I hate to think what sort of fertiliser they use.
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Cookie .. Not a fusspot at all!! I'm with you...absolutely refuse to buy foodstuffs etc from there... Chemicals, poisons, no quality control etc I even have a friend from there who avoids their imports like the plague!!
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Thanks for the tip Sue! I am off there tomorrow to check out if there any old ones left on the shelf.
Our local organic market stocks some products marked "Organic and Biodynamic - Product of China". I must admit that I am sceptical of their organic certification standards, and usually avoid anything produced there like the plague. The new method of "getting produce in through the back door" from China via NZ is a big concern.
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Tricky - we have to watch stuff from Australia, for the same reasons!!! :-))
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I've had a look in two ww stores with no luck :( they've got the new stuff.
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Me too - visited two stores today, and only the new stuff available.
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Only the new stuff at my local w too
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I've tried 2 stores as well, nothing. Looks like the new product is in all the stores unfortunately.
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nothing here either
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I've tried a couple of stores with no luck either. I won't be buying anymore home brand cocoa. Woollies have lost another customer
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I've heard that Coles are quite good at replying to customers....(a friend of mine complained about the quality of the fruit & veg bags at her local store and they changed them a few weeks later)...I wonder if enough people wrote to WW, they might do do something. Probably not, but they are certainly going to loose people buying that product....most home cooks know of the quality of their old cocoa.
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Worth a try. I normally shop at Coles but go to Wooloes to buy cocoa. I have a new packet in the cupboard but haven't needed it yet. Thanks for the heads up.
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I have written to Woolworths and have asked them to respond to these comments. Will let you know when/if I receive a reply back.
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we need a 'like' button! Good on you JD!
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Judy you certainally are a Doer, I like that. ;)
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Thanks JD! I wouldnt have known where to start in trying to contact them ......
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I've become a bit of a WW chatter. I started it when my local one was changing the prices of fruit between me selecting it and paying for it.
I've always found them helpful, although they don't always agree with me. I try to send positive things as well as problems so that they don't go 'oh it's her again!'
You just go to their website and use contact us.
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I just contacted them too - the more the merrier ;D
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Thanks Karen, you are right - the more the merrier then they know we mean business ;)
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I have contacted them too
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I received a phone call this morning from Woolworths but unfortunately with her accent, I was unable to completely understand her. She acknowledged that they had changed suppliers :-)) and was going to refer my email to someone in another department. I told her I would prefer correspondence by email so hopefully that will be the case.
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I contacted them also. This is the reply I received via email yesterday:
Thank you for contacting Woolworths.
We had recently changed supplier that makes the Homebrand Cocoa Powder as we were not able to continue with the original arrangement.
It is disappointing to hear that you are not satisfy with the product, please be assured your feedback has been raised with the product business team for their awareness and consideration at future review of the products. This review are done every 6-12months and customer feedback plays an important rolls in regard to areas we focus for improvements.
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I have had a standard email acknowledging my contact with them - but no actual response to what I said as yet.
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wonder which company the supplier was..
has anyone got some of the old packaging.
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That response is more like it Katie, I think that was the department my caller said she would be referring my email to. So if they have a hundred emails regarding this cocoa, maybe they will reconsider their stance in 6-12 months time ;)
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I went to send in a complaint and had to fill out a questionnaire with he bar code of the product, I don't want to buy it ,will take a photo when I go shopping next and send one in.
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obbie
l have and old box and new one too
it just said it was made in germany from imported ingredients and packed for ww both the old and new have the same aussie and new zealand address on them
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I bought the new one and it appears the same to me...just smaller packet and probably more expensive!!
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Nazzar, i would google the address, to see who manufactured it.
I'll ring ww too
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I havent had a response to my email to Woolies yet.
The amount of cocoa in the packaging hasn't changed, nor has the colour of the cocoa, but it no longer tastes the same. IMHO, it no longer has that intense, almost bitter, chocolate flavour.
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I havent had a response to my email to Woolies yet.
The amount of cocoa in the packaging hasn't changed, nor has the colour of the cocoa, but it no longer tastes the same. IMHO, it no longer has that intense, almost bitter, chocolate flavour.
Interesting I havent eaten it as yet other than in icing
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There were no boxes left in the Warwick when I shopped on Saturday.
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I meant to look at Warwick today troupie but ran into a friend and then forgott, you saved me from going back, stirling didn't have any at the weekend either.
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Couldn't see any at Nambour today.
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none up here either
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I have just received a phone call from Woolworths (why, when I asked for email contact :-))) and the lady advised me that the product hasn't changed but the vendor has. I told her that our members say that the packet is smaller and the contents do not appear to be the same and that they will be seeking an alternative to this product. She will pass the information onto their marketing department.
With this matter bought to their attention, my guess is that something will only change if they find their sales in the next 6 months are way down on previous figures.
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Interesting that you had a phone call, Judy. I went to Woolies today, but hadn't read this post, so don't know if there's any of the old stock left.
I'll try the new one next time I get to town and will definitely be emailing Woolies if I'm not happy with it.
Someone has told me that IGA's Home Brand Cocoa is the same as the old Woolies one. Might be worth trying it.
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Our IGA does not have any Home brand cocoa.
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I'll check it out to see if my Foodland (IGA) has it, thanks MJ.
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Our IGA does not have any Home brand cocoa.
Only Woolies sell this cocoa
I have just received a phone call from Woolworths (why, when I asked for email contact :-))) and the lady advised me that the product hasn't changed but the vendor has.
Hmm, I'm skeptical about that statement....why the need to change packaging, if it is the same product :-\......isn't it the supplier who does the packaging, not the vendor?
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sounds suss
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I still have one box of the old stuff in the pantry, and have bought a foil bag of the new stuff, and it most definitely is not the same.
The old cocoa is much much darker in colour. The new stuff looks more like the Cadbury Bournville Cocoa - a lighter paler brown.
And the taste test is different too. The old stuff is more bitter and more chocolately ....... the new stuff is sweeter and has less of a chocolate taste, more like drinking chocolate.
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It's a pity they don't ring or get in touch with you Karen as you have the answers seeing as you have both boxes there. I only have the favoured one here and don't use cocoa much anyway. I tried to get across to her that the new one is not the same as the previous version but they obviously have a spiel to read out and will not admit to anything. They obviously think we are stupid too ;)
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I agree with Karen. I am rationing the small amount of the old one I have left.
I sent my complaint through the woollies website, but haven't heard from them. Maybe I will give them a call tomorrow if DD is still home sick.
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I wonder what 2brothersfoods cocoa is like? I might get some and see if its the lovely dark Dutch cocoa.
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I just checked 2brothersfoods and they only have "dutched" cocoa. The explanation given is that the cocoa goes through an alkalinizing process which changes the colour and flavour of the cocoa, making it lighter and sweeter. So it's my guess that the new cocoa is dutched. I always assumed that Dutch Cocoa was the lovely dark bitter one.
You'll also notice that since the cocoa isn't acidic anymore, your chocolate cakes won't be as light. Traditionally, bicarbonate is used in chocky cakes to react with the cocoa and give a lighter cake.
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I've been buying this one for years. Has always been delightful.
Was devastated when it went out of stock for a month, and very excited to see it back at Christmas, all be it in a new packet.
Was not so impressed when I tried it, it certainly lacks the intense chocolate flavour now, and my chocolate goodies are no where near as nice now!
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I will try it tomorrow, new foil packet arrived wednesday in my WW order.
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Happy dance :D :D :D :D :D :D
I found a box of the home brand cocoa in my baking cupboard ;D
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Treat it like gold then Robyn ;D
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must be the last one in Australia Robyn;D
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I aksed the store manager at our local Woolworths because he happended to be packing the shelfs when I was buying a new packet and he had no idea and no interest that I thought it was an inferior product!
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Well, I have finally used up the last of my old box of cocoa :-[ Will have to find a new source - thinking the local "international" store where I buy lots of spice and choc chips and dried fruit might be a good start.
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Big fat raspberries to Woolies! (http://yoursmiles.org/tsmile/bad/t2102.gif) (http://yoursmiles.org/t-bad.php)
There is definitely a difference in taste with the new packaging, and I think they are liars for saying its the same product....it's clearly NOT!
As someone mentioned earlier, it was if I had just added drinking chocolate, instead of the cocoa it once was. Seriously, the bimby cupcakes I made tasted like a packet cake :-))
Clearly, cost cutting wins over quality.
I have taken a couple of pics, so hopefully it shows up the difference
Old cocoa we loved on left, new foil packaged cocoa on right
(http://i618.photobucket.com/albums/tt266/nachothecat/c3cd7d4e2fcef15a59af72700d5b8231.jpg)
(http://i618.photobucket.com/albums/tt266/nachothecat/eea8d9ad7c1961bcdd3b86b461bfacce.jpg)
The old version is deeper in colour, and has a dark reddish tinge.
The proof was in the tasting >:(
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Maybe we should do something about it and tell them ???
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So, what brand are you all using now?
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Maybe we should do something about it and tell them ???
Several of us have emailed or contacted them CP but maybe they need to see your pictures to see the difference for themselves.
I really don't use a lot of cocoa in my cooking but just went to check to see how much I had left of the better home brand product and low and behold I found an unopened box - boy that was a surprise.
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Lucky you Judy - great find :D
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I agree Maddie it's a totally different cocoa, such a shame. The manager at the store my DD works at couldn't care less when I told him ???
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Lucky you Judy, I have used all my last box up.. :)
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Ahhhhhh. I should have kept up with this thread. No wonder my last two chocolate cakes haven't been the same. I agree Maddy - this new cocoa makes my cakes taste like packet cakes!
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Maybe a copy of this thread should be sent to W's management!! . . (and with the notation that it's a worldwide forum!!) . . It makes you wonder what else they've been tampering with/watering down!! ???
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I did send the link to this thread when I wrote to them but there are a lot more postings since then so anyone else want to have a go?
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I will Judy. The new foil packet is no where as good as the box..
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Thanks Robyn, that will be great.
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It tastes more 'floury', ? I'm not too sure how to explain it, but it certainly is not as good as the cardboard box.
The original was so much better.
Please bring it back Woolies.
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I used VanHouten cocoa from Woolies (in continental grocery section)....and I was really happy with taste!
Was around $6.99 I think for a 250g box. Will stick with this one I think.
(http://i618.photobucket.com/albums/tt266/nachothecat/2e19f07054153c3b87331a852897cddc.jpg)
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I live sort of central to three WW stores and in the last week have visited each one in search of Homebrand cocoa. Not one had a single pack on the shelves or in the store. I was told that the warehouse was out as well and would be for sometime so the stores won't have any for some considerable time. I didn't ask but I did think that maybe a few people had complained about the quality and perhaps they were looking for a new,(or old), source of cocoa. ;)
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Well let's hope that is the reason Lucyluu. Just imagine, if people power has helped get back the old type cocoa powder again, there is no stopping us now ;D
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I used VanHouten cocoa from Woolies (in continental grocery section)....and I was really happy with taste!
Was around $6.99 I think for a 250g box. Will stick with this one I think.
It's a great drinking cocoa too.
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I used VanHouten cocoa from Woolies (in continental grocery section)....and I was really happy with taste!
Was around $6.99 I think for a 250g box. Will stick with this one I think.
(http://i618.photobucket.com/albums/tt266/nachothecat/2e19f07054153c3b87331a852897cddc.jpg)
Thanks for that Maddy.
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... It makes you wonder what else they've been tampering with/watering down!! ???
I should imagine the answer to this is everything, goldfish. I NEVER, ever, buy home brand in any supermarket any more, I have always found them to be inferior in every way - regardless of what the claims regarding quality are.
I know there is a thread on here somewhere where many of us have posted very positive reports on various home brand products, but I have been ripped off too often to be conned again ... the same goes for chemists as well, the generic offerings seem to be different and, in the ones I have sampled, not as effective.
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I used VanHouten cocoa from Woolies (in continental grocery section)....and I was really happy with taste!
Was around $6.99 I think for a 250g box. Will stick with this one I think.
(http://i618.photobucket.com/albums/tt266/nachothecat/2e19f07054153c3b87331a852897cddc.jpg)
Thanks for that Maddy.
I have tried this one too - and agree that the quality and taste is great. Unfortunately at $6.99, it is far more expensive than the homebrand one was :(
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I haven't seen that brand. Yes, a bit expensive, as you say, Karen.
I remember when Fullcream stopped making their custard powder. There was a huge outcry from country women in WA! They listened and it's back on the shelves.
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I remember when Fullcream stopped making their custard powder. There was a huge outcry from country women in WA! They listened and it's back on the shelves.
wow, great result MJ......there's hope then, that Woolies will do right by their customers.
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I will Judy. The new foil packet is no where as good as the box..
Did you receive a response when you got in touch with them Robyn?
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No, But I will email again today.
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I haven't received a response although I did receive an email asking if I would complete a survey on how they resolved my query!
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Nothing like putting the cart before the horse wonder :-))
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I haven't received a response although I did receive an email asking if I would complete a survey on how they resolved my query!
Oh my giddy aunt!!!! Lol. Ain't they just wonderful!!!! ;)
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I remember when Fullcream stopped making their custard powder. There was a huge outcry from country women in WA! They listened and it's back on the shelves.
Is that the Nurses one? I did always like Nurses custard powder the most.
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I went in to WW the other day and there is no homebrand cocoa whatsoever, new style or old. Perhaps they have taken your comments in board?
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I've tried at a few Safeway stores and they don't have any home brand either, there must be a delivery problem.
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I remember when Fullcream stopped making their custard powder. There was a huge outcry from country women in WA! They listened and it's back on the shelves.
Is that the Nurses one? I did always like Nurses custard powder the most.
Yes, it was Nurses.
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I went looking for some the other day. I asked the lady working there and she said they had moved it from the baking section back to the drinking chocolate aisle but that it was currently out of stock. She scanned it and it came up with a message (I can't remember the exact wording) but when I asked what that meant, she said it had had some sort of issue/problem with quality or packaging etc she said there are never details of the issue disclosed on the scanner just that that is what it means. So there was no expected time that it would be back in stock.
;) Just thought I would pass on the info. I had to then try and find some cocoa that had just cocoa on the ingredients list!!!
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Thanks Meagan. Would be interested in what any of you use now. I've been using Cadbury Cocoa.
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I got plaistowes brand because it was pure cocoa, then I bought some blockers i think it is called in an orange? box with a ladies sillouette from the local markets. The bournville one has flavours in it :( so I steer clear of that one.
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I think Blookers is the name your looking for its from Amsterdam. Its very nice,no additives.
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I think Blookers is the name your looking for its from Amsterdam. Its very nice,no additives.
Thats the one :) I emptied the box into tupperware and didn't have it to refer to :)
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Megan, there may be a reason why the shelves are empty at the moment. Maybe Woolies has taken note of our complaints - this thread has had more than 3000 views. It reminds me of the Paul Kelly song " From Little Things, Big Things Grow" ;)
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I hope you are right ES. It would be good if they bring back the cocoa everyone loves. :)
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;D ;D ;) :)
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I have some good news ;D
Woollies has obviously listened to the customer complaints about their homebrand cocoa, and has reinstated their original supplier of the cocoa. Soon we will see their shelves being restocked with the familiar box of German quality cocoa.
Thank you Woolies, and thank you to all the people who complained directly to Woolies or posted their complaint in this thread.
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Yay, people power - how good is that. Well done forum members and thanks ES for that great news.
Once it hits the shelves, maybe a few thank you emails wouldn't go astray either ;)
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Well done everyone! In our of cocoa and have been putting off getting more.... Ill be keeping an eye out next time I'm at ww.
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Our Woolworths was fully stocked yesterday when I was there but it was still in newer plastic packaging so I didn't bother picking some up, I might have to buy a packet to try next time I'm there.
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Wonder, check the packaging for the country or origin- the one you want comes from Germany ;)
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Great news
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Good news and bad, I bought Nestlé Plaistowe yesterday because I was out of cocoa our WW store hasn't got their supply yet.
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Thanks ES, I'll have a look.
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Fantastic news. Now, how to get rid of the other junk I bought.....!
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Woohoo!! People Power! ;D
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Fantastic, will look next trip ;D
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It has been ages since I have come in here for a browse and a read! What fantastic news!! I will look out for it :) Thanks ES
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There's still no HomeBrand cocoa at all on our shelves here :( Had to buy another brand and not at all happy with it.
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Havent seen any homebrand cocoa here just the nestle small tin and another brand starting with p i think which is at least doesnt have added ingredients..
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We still haven't had it on our shelves yet and while at Costco they had 100% pure cacao in a 650grm tin for $7.99
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Think im going to have to head out to cosco lol
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I have been buying blokker?? The German brand with a ladies silhouette on it in the interim.
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Just browsing and found this discussion. I never knew home brand was so good, then so bad,and hopefully so good again. What a roller coaster! LOL
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WHOOP! found the German one at my local woolies - bought 4 boxes lol ;D
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Lucky you meagan, i looked when i was shopping today and still none at our woolies.
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Yes i found some the other day... Got two boxes :)
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Got some too.... inspected the box & contents thoroughly, and they match! 8)
kudos to Woolies for listening to their customers...you don't normally find big chains doing so.
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I wonder how big an influence this forum was to this great result. Now, what can we change next.
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. Now, what can we change next.
Get pollywaffles back in production! :P
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I love polly waffles :)
on the look out for the old stuff here
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They'd be pretty OLD now Robyn, production stopped in 2009...don't think I'd eat one of them :P
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No, I would love them to be brought back into production.
Going to check for the Home brand coco, not in the foil packets.
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I would love them to be brought back into production.
So many would *sigh*.....they said it cost more to make, than what they were selling, which I'm sure that had a lot to do when they changed the recipe :-))......obviously another exercise in cost cutting, led to another demise of something so loved :-\
re: cocoa.... a nice change to have value for money in a quality product.
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The cocoa hasn't made it over here yet, but at least I know why no homebrand isn't on the shelf. I actually haven't baked with cocoa at all lately and still have a whole bag of cocoa to use up...probably because it's not as good.
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My local Woolies has started selling home brand cocoa again in the box but when I looked it said it was a product of Germany. Wasn't the original Dutch? Is it the same or will it be a lesser quality?
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I found some dr drinking chocolate (german) but not cocoa
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My local Woolies has started selling home brand cocoa again in the box but when I looked it said it was a product of Germany. Wasn't the original Dutch? Is it the same or will it be a lesser quality?
"Dutch" is the process in which it is made. It has been treated with an alkali to neutralize its natural acidity.
And yes, it was a Dutchman who developed the process ;). It is made in all parts of the world, using thee "Dutching" method.
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My local Woolies has started selling home brand cocoa again in the box but when I looked it said it was a product of Germany. Wasn't the original Dutch? Is it the same or will it be a lesser quality?
"Dutch" is the process in which it is made. It has been treated with an alkali to neutralize its natural acidity.
And yes, it was a Dutchman who developed the process ;). It is made in all parts of the world, using thee "Dutching" method.
Aaaaah! I feel a doofus now! So it should've the same great product that it was then do you think?
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Tried two woollies stores near by neither of them had any. 😞😞😞
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l looked in two woolworth store here two and no luck
hopefully it will come to wa soon pleeeeease
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I couldn't find it in my local Woolies today, so I asked a staff member. They looked it up on the computer and said something along the lines that it wasn't on order because the tag had been deleted. He changed the computer and said that it should be in store next week.
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Which woollies, ES?
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Found it. 😃 It was the last box left on the shelf. Hopefully they will get some more in soon.
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Jen, is it a new box with a long expiry date? I've been monitoring the Woolies near my house for more than a month. Nothing! :(
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I haven't bought it before BB so not sure about the packaging, it has an expiry date march 2016.
I use to only use Cadbury cocoa till I joined the forum lol. Then bought the Dutch cocoa, but can find that anymore.
Maybe if you ask at your woollies they will get it in. The box I found was at karrinyup.
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Ok. Going to try asking them, Jen :)
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Also check the location too! Ours has moved to the baking section from the tea/cofe/drinking chocolate section
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Found it!
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/07/29/7ynagyzu.jpg)
*happy dance*
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great find, will look here too
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Did anyone give you strange looks taking a photo of the cocoa BZB? ;D
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Did anyone give you strange looks taking a photo of the cocoa BZB? ;D
Probably thought she was sent
from "that other place... C***s";D ;D ;D
Well done, BZB!!
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The thought did not cross my mind, Mich. I was too excited! ;D :D
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GF, I did chuckle out loud when I read your comment. My kids would have given me strange looks if they were home ;D
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Glad you found some BZB. I found it on the bottom shelf in the baking section.
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Jen, that's where I've been checking for the past few weeks. Finally arrived this time :)
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is it the good stuff tho?
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is it the good stuff tho?
That's what I want to know!
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Yep :-))
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I found this yesterday at Belmont Forum in Woollies
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My Woolies has it where the powdered drinks are, like milo, quick etc.....took me forever to find it, thinking it would be in baking section :-))
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If anybody is struggling to find it and they have the woolies app a product search will let you know which aisle it's in.
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Went to Woolies to buy a chook yesterday. And the choc is all gone!
So glad I bought 2 boxes ;D
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Oh happy days! I have just been to the Ellenbrook Woolies and there was our fav cocoa on the shelf. ;D ;D
As I was doing a little happy dance a lady says to me "oh yes they have the real cocoa back, I have wanted this for months. Oh fab, now we don't have to use that dreadful nestle or bournville muck they call cocoa"
All I could do was nod and agree.
And put 2 more boxes of it in my trolley!
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Oh really??!! Will make a trip to Woolworths to check, woohooooo!!
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Still none in Miami WW, will have to ask why?