Eumundi Voice - Issue 96, 27 July 2024

ON THIS DAY

Cherry Ripe turns 100

The much-loved Cherry Ripe turns 100 in 2024, making it Australia’s oldest chocolate bar. The distinctive bar is a combination of ripe, juicy cherries and moist coconut all covered in rich Old Gold dark chocolate. Yummm!

The Cherry Ripe was manufactured by Australian confectioner MacRobertson’s until 1967 when it was acquired by British company Cadbury. The move gave Cadbury a major manufacturing base at Ringwood, Victoria and a range of unique brands, including not only the Cherry Ripe but another household favourite, the Freddo Frog. Cadbury planted a cherry tree at the factory in honour of the popular Cherry Ripe. While the original factory no longer stands, that cherry tree still exists, now in a courtyard of converted apartments.

The Cherry Ripe’s recipe and distinctive wrapper remained unchanged over the years, and it continued to be co-branded with Cadbury until 2002 when it finally adopted the Cadbury Master brand. Cadbury is now owned by American company Mondelez International.

Roy Morgan research in the 12 months to March 2013 found the Cherry Ripe was Australia’s favourite chocolate bar, followed closely by Cadbury’s Dairy Milk blocks and then Mars Bars. Those aged over 35 showed a clear preference for Cherry Ripe and those under 35 more likely to consume other chocolate bars. Today, around 40 million Cherry Ripes are produced annually.