Bertie Beetle chocolate bar is a popular treat enjoyed by many people across the globe. The sweet delicacy, which is shaped like an anthropomorphized beetle, is a crunchy chocolate-coated bar containing small pieces of honeycomb. The history of Bertie Beetle chocolate bar is an interesting one, dating back to the 1960s when it was first launched by Hoadley’s in its Melbourne chocolate factory.
The chocolate bar was initially created as a way to use up honeycomb left over from the production of Violet Crumble bars. The creators of the iconic Bertie Beetle chocolate have finally revealed the hidden secrets behind Australia’s favorite sweet treat sold exclusively in retro confectionary stores and show bags. The chance to snatch up a showbag with the famous chocolate and honeycomb treat at Sydney’s Royal Easter for only two dollars is considered a right of passage for adults and children alike.
Origins of the Bertie Beetle
Creation and Concept
Bertie Beetle is a chocolate bar that was created in the early 1960s by Hoadley’s Chocolates in Melbourne, Australia. The bar was initially made as a way to use up honeycomb left over from the production of Violet Crumble bars. The company devised the concept of Bertie Beetle as a means of utilizing the unused shards of honeycomb from the production process. Bertie Beetle is made of milk chocolate containing small chips of honeycomb, which gives it a unique texture and taste.
Naming and Branding
The name “Bertie Beetle” was chosen to reflect the whimsical nature of the chocolate bar. The company wanted a name that was fun and catchy, and that would appeal to children. The name “Bertie” was chosen because it was a popular name at the time, and “Beetle” was added to reflect the shape of the chocolate bar. The packaging of Bertie Beetle has also been designed to appeal to children, with bright colors and a cartoon beetle character. Bertie Beetle was initially only available in showbags sold at Australian agricultural shows, but it has since become a popular chocolate bar sold in supermarkets and convenience stores throughout Australia.
Overall, Bertie Beetle has become an iconic Australian chocolate bar that is loved by people of all ages. Its unique taste and fun branding have made it a staple in the Australian confectionery market.
Production and Ingredients
Manufacturing Process
Bertie Beetle chocolate bars are manufactured by Nestlé in a factory located in New Zealand. The production process begins with the preparation of the key ingredients, which include milk chocolate and small chips of honeycomb. The honeycomb chips are made by heating sugar, glucose syrup, and water until they turn into a caramel-like substance. Bicarbonate of soda is then added, which causes the mixture to foam up and solidify into honeycomb.
Once the ingredients are prepared, the chocolate is melted and mixed with the honeycomb chips. The mixture is then poured into molds shaped like an anthropomorphized beetle and left to cool. Once the chocolate has hardened, the Bertie Beetle bars are packaged and shipped to retailers.
Key Ingredients
The key ingredients in Bertie Beetle chocolate bars are milk chocolate and small chips of honeycomb. The milk chocolate is made from cocoa solids, sugar, and milk powder. The honeycomb chips are made from sugar, glucose syrup, water, and bicarbonate of soda.
The use of honeycomb in Bertie Beetle bars is a result of the chocolate bar’s origins. The chocolate bar was created as a way to use up honeycomb left over from the production of Violet Crumble bars, which are also manufactured by Nestlé. The use of honeycomb gives Bertie Beetle bars a unique texture and flavor that sets them apart from other chocolate bars on the market.
In conclusion, the production process of Bertie Beetle chocolate bars involves the preparation of key ingredients such as milk chocolate and honeycomb chips, which are then mixed together and poured into molds shaped like an anthropomorphized beetle. The use of honeycomb gives Bertie Beetle bars a unique texture and flavor that sets them apart from other chocolate bars on the market.
Marketing and Distribution
Initial Launch
Bertie Beetle was launched in 1963 by Hoadley’s Chocolate in Melbourne. It was created as a way to use up fragments of honeycomb left over from making the company’s famous Violet Crumble bar. The chocolate bar was an instant hit and quickly became a favorite among children and adults alike. The unique beetle-shaped chocolate bar was affordable and easily accessible, making it an instant success.
Advertising Campaigns
Hoadley’s Chocolate did not spend much on advertising for Bertie Beetle. Instead, they relied on word of mouth and the popularity of the chocolate bar to promote it. They did, however, offer Bertie Beetle as a showbag at the Royal Melbourne Show in 1963, which helped to boost its popularity. The showbags were sold at a low price, making it affordable for everyone to try. This marketing strategy proved to be a huge success, and Bertie Beetle became a household name.
Distribution Channels
Initially, Bertie Beetle was only available in Victoria and South Australia. However, due to its popularity, it was soon made available throughout Australia. Bertie Beetle was sold in many different retail outlets, including supermarkets, convenience stores, and newsagents. It was also sold at various shows and fairs around the country, where it was often included in showbags. Today, Bertie Beetle is still available in Australia and is manufactured in New Zealand. It remains a popular chocolate bar, enjoyed by people of all ages.
Cultural Impact
Australian Icon
Bertie Beetle has become an Australian icon since its launch in 1963. It is a popular chocolate treat that is widely known and loved by Australians of all ages. The chocolate bar has been a staple of showbags at the Sydney Royal Easter Show and other events for decades. It has become a symbol of Australian culture and is often associated with nostalgia and childhood memories.
Collectibility
Bertie Beetle has also become a collectible item among chocolate bar enthusiasts and collectors. The chocolate bar has been released in limited edition packaging and flavors over the years, making it a sought-after item for collectors. Some collectors even have entire collections of Bertie Beetle memorabilia, including vintage packaging, promotional materials, and other merchandise.
Overall, Bertie Beetle has had a significant cultural impact in Australia, becoming an iconic chocolate bar and collectible item. Its popularity has endured for over 50 years, and it continues to be a beloved treat for Australians of all ages.
Variations and Special Editions
Flavor Expansions
Over the years, Bertie Beetle chocolate bar has undergone several flavor expansions. One of the most notable ones is the introduction of a dark chocolate version of Bertie Beetle. This version of the chocolate bar is made with a higher percentage of cocoa and has a more intense chocolate flavor.
Another flavor expansion was the introduction of a mint-flavored Bertie Beetle. This variation of the chocolate bar has a refreshing minty taste that complements the sweetness of the honeycomb and chocolate.
Anniversary Editions
To celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2013, Bertie Beetle released a special edition showbag that contained 50 Bertie Beetle chocolates and a mask. This showbag was a huge hit among fans of the chocolate bar.
In 2019, Bertie Beetle released a retro showbag that included a retro paper bag, Bertie Beetle chocolate bars, and a choice of a bucket hat, socks, a collector’s tin, or two enamel pins. This showbag was a nod to the history of Bertie Beetle and its iconic branding.
Overall, Bertie Beetle chocolate bar has had several variations and special editions over the years, each with its unique flavor and packaging. These variations and special editions have helped to keep the chocolate bar fresh and exciting for fans of all ages.
Economic and Environmental Factors
Cost and Pricing
The cost of producing Bertie Beetle chocolate bars is influenced by various factors such as the cost of raw materials, labor, and transportation. The price of Bertie Beetle bars is also affected by the level of competition in the market. Nestle, the current manufacturer of Bertie Beetle, has been able to maintain competitive pricing for the chocolate bar, making it affordable for consumers.
Sustainability Efforts
Nestle, the manufacturer of Bertie Beetle, has implemented various sustainability initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. The company has committed to sourcing cocoa sustainably and has set a goal to achieve 100% sustainably sourced cocoa by 2025. Nestle has also implemented measures to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and water usage in its manufacturing processes.
In addition, Nestle has launched initiatives to promote recycling and reduce waste. The company has implemented a program to collect and recycle packaging materials, including the wrappers for Bertie Beetle chocolate bars. Nestle has also committed to reducing its use of single-use plastics in its packaging materials. These sustainability efforts help to reduce the environmental impact of Bertie Beetle chocolate bars and contribute to a more sustainable future.