Shrinkflation strikes again: The famous Walnut Whip becomes the “Walnot” Whip

Shrinkflation has apparently struck again, as Nestlé’s famous Walnut Whip has become “Walnot” Whip.

The rising price of the nuts has prompted the chocolate manufacturer to dispense with the headpiece of the same name in a new range of sweet treats.

Walnut Whips were first produced in 1910 by Duncan's in Edinburgh and, according to Nestlé, are eaten every two seconds in the UK.

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However, no walnuts are used as a topping for the new product range, which includes caramel and vanilla flavours, among others.
Alison Clinton, Brand Manager, Chocolate Classics, Nestlé UK and Ireland, said: “We are delighted to be offering these new additions to Walnut Whip.

“These new products offer consumers more choice and allow them to share their favorite products with their family and friends.” A mint-flavored whipped cream will be available soon.

But the key product has been hit by a combination of the pound's fall since the Brexit referendum, strong global demand and a poor harvest in Chile, a major producer, according to Helen Graham, a nut importer.

This has led to a 20 percent increase in the price of walnuts, she said. The Guardian.

“There was a crop shortage and then there were the exchange rates and rising transport costs,” she said.

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The news is another indication of the effects of shrink-flation. Toblerone fans were furious because the manufacturer Mondelez reduced the number of small triangular tips on the unique bars to save costs.

The company said the changes were made “to keep the product affordable” because “numerous” ingredients had increased costs.

In July, the Office for National Statistics reported that 2,529 products had shrunk in size over the past five years but were still sold at the same price.

MORE: Toblerone has reduced the size of its bars and people are outraged

The ONS explained that not only chocolate bars were affected by so-called “shrinkflation”, but also toilet paper, coffee and fruit juice.

And many products, especially Marmite, have seen price increases as manufacturers blame Brexit for higher import costs.

Nestlé said walnut fans could continue to buy individual Walnut Whips throughout the year and six-packs at Christmas.