Allen's Fantales conspiracy theory as they are axed from shelves

A conspiracy theory has emerged just hours after Allen's announced it would be discontinuing the Fantales lolly after nearly a century of production.

The chocolate-covered caramel treats feature movie trivia on the wrappers and were once described as 'Australia's most defining lolly' by the New York Times.

But Allen's announced on Tuesday that Fantales would be discontinued, saying sales had dropped and the equipment used to make them was breaking down.

Despite Allen's offering a valid explanation for the end of the lolly, some conspiracy theorists are convinced it's all a publicity stunt to revive interest in the product.

The 'publicity stunt' theory first emerged on social media, before it was spread on national television by Sunrise host Natalie Barr on Wednesday morning.

'Do you think it's a publicity stunt?' she asked during an interview with Russ Eats, a popular influencer who reviews snack foods.

Russ Eats said it was 'a bit odd' for Allen's to announce the discontinuation via a press statement, adding that usually this kind of news is 'leaked' by an employee.

He suggested the announcement was instead a threat to consumers that the lolly could be axed 'if you don't buy more', which prompted Barr to say: 'Let's hope it's a publicity stunt.'

Nestlé has announced it will stop producing classic Australian lolly Fantales (above) in July

Russ Eats said if was a publicity stunt, it had worked very well for Allen's.

'I went to Woolies and Coles, and there were empty boxes everywhere because people flocked to buy the last Fantales,' he remarked.

Thousands of Fantales fans have called for Nestlé to reconsider its decision.

'Why is it the good old things get discounted? Why can't we still have our favourites still in store?' one person wrote online.

'What do you mean they're discontinuing Fantales? They're the only lollies I actually like,' another tweeted.

Others said they did not understand how Fantales could have suffered from a decline in sales, with many observing the household staple is often sold out.

'I love them but they are never on the shelf! I'm always looking for them!' one woman wrote.

'I don't understand these "declining" sales. They release absolutely ridiculous flavours nobody buys and keep them on the shelf,' another said.

A Nestle spokeswoman responded to the 'stunt' claim on Wednesday, saying: 'Sadly, it’s not a media stunt. Our last bag of Fantales will roll down the line in mid-July, then they’ll be available in store only while stocks last.'

Nestlé will stop producing the lolly in mid-July, but said Fantales production-line workers will be given other roles within the factory.

'Many of us grew up with Fantales and have fond memories of them,' said Allen's spokesman Andrew Lawrey. 'Despite the sense of nostalgia Fantales evoke, unfortunately people simply aren't buying them as often as they used to.

'In addition, our Fantales equipment needs significant investment. It's become increasingly difficult to get the parts we need to maintain it, and with declining sales, replacing it isn't viable.'

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