For some, the end of a delicious era has arrived. For many more, this is the first they've ever heard of it.
Hershey has discontinued the Cherry Blossom. It's a century-old Canadian confection that is sold in a bright yellow cardboard cube that might give some folks the Loblaws NoName vibe.
The Cherry Blossom is a cherry in syrup surrounded by nuts and enrobed in chocolate. Many consider it a deeply nostalgic treat, though it's likely declining sales for the acquired taste has prompted its demise.
Vancouver-based chocolatier's sweet (cheeky) offer
Those who love the Cherry Blossom may wish to take Vancouver-based chocolatier Purdys up on a tempting offer.
The beloved national brand, which still makes many of its treats (including several by hand) here in Vancouver, is hoping to woo fans of the Cherry Blossom by doing a unique "trade-in" event.
Purdys shared details of the campaign on its social media Friday (Jan. 24.):
"Is there a yellow-boxed-cherry-flavoured-treat-shaped hole in your heart? 🍒" asks Purdys in the caption of a photo featuring a blurred-out yellow Cherry Blossom box.
"Just bring in our competitor’s discontinued empty package from Jan 24 - 26 and we’ll give you one of our best-selling Cordial Cherries for free! 💜"
The chocolatier notes that they'll honour the offer while supplies last and that each customer is limited to two Cherry Blossom-Cordial Cherry swaps.
What's the history of the Cherry Blossom?
First produced in the 1890s by the Walter M. Lowney Co. in Sherbrooke, Quebec, it was a proud Canadian invention.
In 1989, Hershey Canada acquired the Lowney brand, moving production to its Smiths Falls, Ont. facility.
However, when the Smiths Falls plant closed in 2012, production shifted to the United States. The move signalled the beginning of the end for the candy’s Canadian identity.
Anyone feeling particularly desperate to get their hands on the real deal before it's too late can try hitting up local stores, but there are already a few eBay listings for the discontinued Cherry Blossom - if you're willing to pay dearly.
With files from Sylvain Charlebois/Times Colonist
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