Cadbury Investigates Discoloured 99 Flakes After Ice Cream Vendors Report Quality Issues

Ice cream van operators have lodged complaints with Cadbury about 99 Flakes developing an unappealing white tinge, triggering an investigation into production and storage practices. The manufacturer is reviewing what caused the discolouration as vendors fear potential supply disruptions during the busy summer season.

Vendor Complaints Prompt Cadbury Review

Multiple ice cream sellers have reported receiving batches of Cadbury 99 Flakes with visible white coating, making the chocolate sticks appear unsuitable for sale. The discolouration stems from improper storage by wholesalers during recent periods of elevated temperatures. One Mr Whippy operator who notified Cadbury was instructed to return the affected stock to his supplier, but expressed concern about potential shortages as warmer weather approaches.

Retailers emphasise that the 99 brand carries established customer expectations. "People expect Cadbury and I don't want to use other brands," one vendor explained. "99 is an established name—you can't cheat and put something else in it. It's got to be a Cadbury Flake." With forecasts predicting temperatures reaching 27 degrees Celsius across south-east England, sellers worry that heat-related storage problems could worsen before peak ice cream season begins.

Root Cause and Production Changes

Lawrence Glauser of Lorenzo's Ices in East Yorkshire identified the white coating as a harmless but visually unappealing film that forms when cocoa butter melts and separates from chocolate. Both affected vendors point to a potential quality decline following the relocation of 99 Flake production from the United Kingdom to Egypt in 2020. Cadbury acknowledged the concerns, stating: "We are reviewing what's happened to get back to the high-quality people expect from us."