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History of Yowie Chocolate Bar

Yowie chocolate bars have been a beloved treat for Australians since their introduction in 1995. First produced by Cadbury under license from Kidcorp, it quickly became one of the top-selling chocolates in Australia, selling over a million units a week in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The Yowie chocolate bar was much loved for its unique combination of milk chocolate and a small plastic animal toy inside each package.

After nearly a decade-long break, Yowie was relaunched in 2014 for US markets. The brand had been acquired by a Perth-based Australian company, the Yowie Group, which worked to bring the chocolate bar back to its former glory. The relaunch was a success, with Yowie chocolates outselling their biggest competitors in the US market. Today, Yowie chocolate bars are available in both Australia and the US, and have become a favorite among chocolate lovers and collectors alike.

Origins and Development

Inception of Yowie Chocolate

Yowie is a confectionery brand that originated in Australia in 1995. The idea for the chocolate bar was conceived by Bryce Courtenay and Geoff Pike, two best-selling authors who wanted to create a product that combined their love for nature and storytelling. The name “Yowie” was inspired by an Australian Aboriginal legend about a mythical creature that lived in the wilderness.

Design and Concept

After the concept was developed, Cadbury was licensed to produce and distribute the Yowie chocolate bar. The initial launch of Yowie took three years to develop the characters and the manufacturing process. In 1997, Cadbury launched Yowie as a foil-wrapped character-shaped milk chocolate shell containing a plastic capsule. The capsule contained a miniature animal figurine that was based on the characters developed by Courtenay and Pike.

The Yowie chocolate bar was an instant success in Australia, selling over a million units a week in the late 1990s and early 2000s. It was also sold in other countries such as Oceania and Asia-Pacific. However, after a decade of production, Yowie was discontinued due to disputes between Cadbury and the product line’s creators.

In 2014, Yowie was relaunched in the US market, with a new design and concept. The new Yowie chocolate bar is made of 100% milk chocolate and contains a surprise toy animal figurine inside. The relaunch was successful in the US market, and Yowie has continued to expand its product line with various animal-themed toys and merchandise.

Brand Evolution

Early Branding Efforts

Yowie chocolate bars have a long history of branding efforts that date back to 1995 when Cadbury first produced the confectionery brand under license from Kidcorp. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Yowie was one of the top-selling chocolates in Australia, selling over a million units a week. The brand became a smash hit and was one of Cadbury’s most successful brands ever launched in the history of the company.

The original packaging of Yowie chocolate bars featured a cartoon character named Yowie, which was based on an Australian mythical creature. The cartoon character was depicted on the packaging with a message that encouraged children to collect Yowie toys that were hidden inside the chocolate bars. The packaging also included educational information about the animal that the toy represented.

Rebranding and Modernization

After a break of nearly a decade, Yowie was relaunched in 2014 for the US markets. The brand had been acquired by a Perth-based Australian company, the Yowie Group, which aimed to be a global leader in the confectionery industry. The Yowie Group introduced a new packaging design that featured a more modern and sleek look.

The new packaging design still featured the cartoon character Yowie, but it was updated to be more realistic and less cartoonish. The company also introduced new Yowie toys that were made from eco-friendly materials and were designed to be educational. The new packaging design and the updated Yowie toys were well received by consumers, and Yowie chocolate bars quickly became one of the top-selling chocolates in the US market.

In conclusion, Yowie chocolate bars have undergone significant branding efforts over the years, starting with the original packaging that featured a cartoon character named Yowie and educational information about the animal that the toy represented. The brand was relaunched in 2014 with a new packaging design that featured a more modern and sleek look along with updated Yowie toys that were made from eco-friendly materials and were designed to be educational.

Product Range

Yowie chocolate bars have been known for their unique flavors and varieties. Over the years, the company has introduced various flavors and limited editions to cater to the changing tastes of its customers.

Original Flavors and Varieties

The original Yowie chocolate bar was launched in the late 1990s in Australia. It was produced by Cadbury under license from Kidcorp and quickly became one of the top-selling chocolates in the country. The chocolate bar was available in various flavors, including milk chocolate, white chocolate, and dark chocolate.

In addition to the original flavors, Yowie also introduced a range of flavored chocolate bars such as mint, caramel, and hazelnut. These flavors were a hit among customers and helped the company expand its product range.

Seasonal and Limited Editions

Yowie chocolate bars also offered seasonal and limited edition flavors to keep its customers engaged and interested. For instance, during the holiday season, the company introduced special flavors such as peppermint and gingerbread.

In addition to seasonal flavors, Yowie also introduced limited edition chocolate bars featuring popular characters such as SpongeBob SquarePants and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. These limited edition bars were a huge success among children and collectors alike.

Overall, Yowie chocolate bars have continued to evolve over the years, introducing new flavors and limited editions to keep its customers engaged. The company’s commitment to quality and innovation has helped it remain a popular choice among chocolate lovers worldwide.

Manufacturing Process

Ingredients Sourcing

Yowie chocolate bars are made from high-quality ingredients that are sourced from reputable suppliers. The company is committed to using sustainable and ethical sources for its ingredients, including cocoa beans, sugar, and milk. Yowie also uses non-GMO ingredients in its chocolate bars.

Production Techniques

Yowie chocolate bars are made using a combination of traditional and modern production techniques. The process begins with the roasting and grinding of cocoa beans, which are then mixed with other ingredients to create a chocolate paste. The paste is then refined and conched to create a smooth and creamy texture.

Once the chocolate is ready, it is tempered to give it a shiny and smooth appearance. The tempered chocolate is then poured into molds and cooled to create the final chocolate bars. Yowie uses state-of-the-art equipment and technology to ensure that its chocolate bars are of the highest quality.

Overall, Yowie’s commitment to sourcing high-quality ingredients and using modern production techniques ensures that its chocolate bars are not only delicious but also ethically and sustainably produced.

Marketing Strategies

Yowie chocolate bars have had a variety of marketing strategies over the years. These strategies have helped to promote the brand and increase sales. Some of the most successful strategies are:

Advertising Campaigns

One of the most effective marketing strategies for Yowie chocolate bars has been advertising campaigns. These campaigns have been used to promote the brand and increase sales. Yowie has used a variety of advertising methods over the years, including television commercials, print ads, and online advertising. These campaigns have helped to increase brand awareness and drive sales.

Educational Partnerships

Another successful marketing strategy for Yowie chocolate bars has been educational partnerships. Yowie has partnered with schools and other educational institutions to promote the brand and educate children about the environment and endangered species. These partnerships have included educational resources, such as lesson plans and activities, as well as special promotions and giveaways. These partnerships have helped to increase brand loyalty and drive sales.

Yowie’s marketing strategies have helped to make it a successful brand. Through advertising campaigns and educational partnerships, Yowie has been able to increase brand awareness and drive sales.

Global Expansion

Entry into International Markets

Yowie chocolate bars were first introduced in Australia in 1995 and quickly became one of the top-selling chocolates in the country. After a hiatus of almost a decade, Yowie was reintroduced in 2014 for the US markets. The brand had been acquired by a Perth-based Australian company, the Yowie Group.

With the relaunch, Yowie Group aimed to expand its presence in the global market and educate children about endangered species. Yowie chocolates were introduced in Canada in 2015 and expanded to other international markets, including the United Kingdom, Germany, and New Zealand.

Challenges and Successes

Expanding into international markets was not without its challenges. In 2016, Yowie Group faced a legal battle with the Swiss chocolate company, Nestle, over the use of the term “surprise” on its packaging. However, Yowie Group won the case, and the company continued to expand.

Despite the challenges, Yowie Group’s global expansion has been successful. In less than two years, Yowie achieved 36.2% value share of the Australian children’s confectionery market and became the No. 1 selling single-unit confectionery line in the ANZ market. Yowie chocolates also outsold some of Cadbury’s biggest brands in Australia.

Today, Yowie chocolates are available in over 30 countries and continue to educate children about endangered species while providing a delicious treat.

Consumer Reception

Sales Performance

Yowie chocolate bar was first produced by Cadbury under license from Kidcorp in 1995. It quickly became one of the top-selling chocolates in Australia, selling over a million units a week in the late 1990s and early 2000s. After a break of nearly a decade, Yowie was relaunched in 2014 for the US market. The chocolate bar was a huge success, selling 65 million units in Australia in its first year alone. It was also one of Cadbury’s most successful brands ever launched in the history of the company.

Customer Feedback

Customers have praised Yowie chocolate bar for its unique combination of chocolate and toy. The chocolate is made from ethically sourced milk and is free from nuts, gluten, GMO, palm oil, trans fat, and high fructose syrup. The toy inside the chocolate bar has been a hit with children, who enjoy collecting the different characters. Some customers have reported that the toy is difficult to remove from the packaging, but overall, the toy has been a popular addition to the chocolate bar.

In the US market, Yowie chocolate bar has received positive reviews from customers. Many have praised the chocolate for its taste and the toy for its educational value. The company has also been commended for its commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing. Overall, Yowie chocolate bar has been well-received by consumers and has established itself as a popular brand in both Australia and the US.

Impact on Culture

Collectibility of Toys

One of the most significant impacts of Yowie chocolate bars on culture is their collectible toys. Each Yowie chocolate bar contains a plastic capsule that houses a limited-edition collectible animal figurine. The collectibles have become popular among children and adults alike, with some collectors even going to great lengths to complete their collection. The unique design of the chocolate bar has made it stand out in the confectionery industry, and its collectibility has contributed to its longevity.

Influence on Confectionery Industry

The introduction of Yowie chocolate bars to the confectionery industry has had a significant influence. Yowie’s unique design and the inclusion of a collectible toy have set it apart from other chocolate bars. The success of Yowie has led to other chocolate brands following in its footsteps, creating their own versions of the collectible chocolate bar. This has resulted in a new category of chocolate bars that has become increasingly popular over the years. Yowie’s influence on the industry has also led to the creation of other collectible toys, such as Kinder eggs and Hatchimals.

Yowie chocolate bars have had a lasting impact on culture and the confectionery industry. Their collectible toys have become a popular item among collectors, and their unique design has influenced other chocolate brands to follow suit. The success of Yowie has paved the way for other collectible chocolate bars, creating a new category in the industry.