Poundland continues Toblerone lookalike production

‘Twin Peaks’ would be the latest of Poundland’s lookalike products, but the retailer received a legal letter​ from Mondelēz, warning it of possible action.

But, Poundland confirmed that Twin Peaks was still in production. A Poundland spokeswoman told FoodManufacture.co.uk: “Twin Peaks is still in development.”​

The retailer planned to launch the Twin Peaks chocolate bar at the start of July, but it revealed on Twitter that there wasn’t a current launch date (see Tweet below).

Hi, It is still in production however we don't yet have a launch date. As soon as we do we will let our customers know :)

— Poundland (@Poundland) July 18, 2017

20% heavier than Toblerones​

The lookalike Twin Peaks bar would feature Toblerone’s iconic mountain shapes, but with double peaks, lined side-by-side. It would also feature chocolate made in the UK – by chocolatier Walkers Chocolates – instead of Swiss chocolate. Twin Peaks bars would be 20% heavier than Toblerones, at 180g.

When the chocolate bar was unveiled on June 19, Poundland’s trading director Barry Williams said: “Poundland shoppers are savvy, and the change in their favourite chocolate bar last Christmas didn’t go unnoticed.​

“That’s why we’ve created a new £1 alternative for them – the size they wanted, with a British taste, and with all the spaces in the right places.”​

Cut the weight​

Mondelēz revealed plans in November to change its iconic Toblerone bars in response to increased costs.

The confectionery giant cut the weight of its 400g Toblerone bars to 360g, and 170g bars to 150g. It also increased the spaces between peaks.

A Poundland statement read: “Development on Twin Peaks began earlier this year, after the makers of Toblerone – Poundland’s top-selling item – created uproar by reducing the weight of the bar by 20g, and changing the shape of its iconic brand.​

“Twin Peaks – at 180g – is 20% heavier than its branded equivalent, and offers a double mountain in every packet.”​

Mondelēz International declined to respond to reports of a Poundland row.

Meanwhile, in November, Mondelēz suffered a social media backlash​ after changing the shape of Toblerone.