Calls for creativity as Flake shortage sends 'ripples' through Jersey

Wednesday 19 May 2021

Local ice cream makers may have to get creative to add a touch of crunchy chocolate to their creations amid a national flake shortage.

Cadbury owner Mondelez revealed earlier this week it had been experiencing an unexpected increase in demand for its 99 Flake in the UK and Ireland.

It comes as public health restrictions in the UK have been relaxing.

Montelez didn’t say how long the shortage would last. Cadbury 99 Flakes are currently still available to order and the company promised to continue to “work closely with customers”

Contacted by Express, Jersey Dairy also moved to reassure local ice cream lovers.

“We don’t anticipate our luxury soft mix ice cream sales to be affected by the shortage of flakes,” a spokesperson for the company said.

“We have spoken to the trade association for the ice cream industry in the UK and the demand for soft mix remains high as the UK prepares for a summer staycation.”

Jersey Dairy also suggested local ice cream vans and cafes get creative with “other chocolate surprises in their cones”.

“Freddo, Kinder Buenos or Twirls could all be close competition for the classic 99 Flake!” they said.

Pictured: The Ice Cream Van at Les Laveurs is prepared to get creative with its chocolate treats.

The Ice Cream Van at Les Laveurs previously did exactly that.

“When it happened earlier in the season, I just bought Flakes and Twirls and cut them in half or used the snack-size ones,” a member of the team explained.

“I explained to customers and they didn’t mind. It obviously cost me more, but it kept the customers happy!” 

For the impending shortage, they suggested trying other options, such as fudge or Twix or Kit-Kat. 

While not at all ice cream makers were aware of the shortage yesterday, Emma at Colleen’s said she had stockpiled when she heard about it to make sure no one misses out on the chocolate treat.