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A nation in mourning: Coles stops stocking Starburst

Staff WriterEastern Reporter

NOW for a story that’s unexplainably juicy: Coles has stopped stocking Starburst, those chewy fruit lollies that have been responsible for childhood hyperactivity and dental issues since 1960.

Some British readers may remember them as Opal Fruits.

Woolworths axed the product two-and-a-half years ago, and now its chief supermarket rival has followed suit.

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Writing in response to Starburst fan Stacy James on Facebook, the company said the decision was not one taken lightly.

“Unfortunately we can confirm that Starburst varieties have been removed from our national range,” Coles wrote.

“We understand how frustrating it can be to see a favourite product disappear from the shelf and we can assure you that this decision is not one made lightly.

“It’s our job to provide customers with choice and value but with limited shelf space we have to balance providing choice with making sure the most popular products customers want to buy are available every time they shop.

“Keeping products that are not selling on shelf makes this difficult.

“We’re sorry for the disappointment and we’ll ensure your feedback is shared with our merch team so they’re aware.”

A Change.org petition has been started by those keen to see the chews that ooze back on the shelves.