Ugh. Another one bites the dust. I was literally just telling my roommate last weekend how much I've gotten hooked on those Oppo Brothers ice cream tubs, and now this happens.
The Thuillier brothers – Harry and Charlie – have pulled their "healthier" ice cream brand from Tesco shelves, marking the end of their presence in all major UK supermarkets. This comes just months after they vanished from Asda and Sainsbury's earlier this year. Teh timing couldn't be worse for ice cream lovers like me who've been trying to pretend we're being "good" while still indulging.
When Dragons Get It Spectacularly Wrong
Remember when Peter Jones called their product "about as useful as mudguards on a tortoise"? God. Talk about eating your words.
Despite that brutal Dragons' Den rejection, these guys managed to build an £86 million business. I watched that episode back in 2018 and remember thinking the Dragons had made a rare misstep. Tennis legend Andy Murray clearly agreed and backed the brothers with some serious cash. Smart move, Andy.
My friend who works in food retail (and who shall remain nameless because his boss would absolutely murder him) texted me last night: "The margins were killing them. Supermarkets are squeezing everyone dry these days."
Why The Hell Are They Leaving?
So what's behind this ice cream exodus? Their marketing director Matthew Sherratt spilled the beans to The Grocer, saying it "wasn't economical for us to continue being a supplier to Tesco in the current environment."
Translation: UK supermarkets are brutal right now.
He went on to explain, "In the UK there's a lot of pressure on price/promotion and we're seeing retailers increasingly prioritise private label. We've therefore focused our business on mainland Europe which is a lot more buoyant than the UK, in our category at least."
I spent £4.50 on one of their tubs last month – not exactly cheap for ice cream – but it was genuinely delicious. Their Caramalised Biscuit flavor was my Friday night companion through three episodes of that show everyone's talking about. You know the one.
The Supermarket Shuffle
This feels like part of a bigger trend. I've noticed more and more empty spaces where beloved brands used to sit, replaced by supermarket own-brands that... let's be honest... aren't always up to scratch.
Oppo's Caramalised Biscuit, Double Salted Caramel and Gooey Chocolate Brownie tubs will now only be available online. Sherratt did point out that Ocado is still stocking their products, which is something I guess. But who actually remembers to order ice cream online? Not me.
Sweet Treats Getting Pricier (Thanks For Nothing, Economy)
Meanwhile, other ice cream brands are fighting for our attention. Iceland recently cut prices on Cadbury's Caramilk ice cream from £2 to £4 – which apparently tastes similar to the now-extinct Caramac bar that I used to devour as a kid.
Ben and Jerry's even gave away free cones back in April. Free! When does that ever happen anymore?
But these feel like desperate moves in a market that's getting squeezed from all sides. Nestle just announced they're hiking prices by 2.1% across all their products as coffee and chocolate costs rise globally.
The Bitter Aftertaste
Listen. I'm not normally one to get emotional about grocery store changes. But there's something particularly sad about watching a British success story – one that proved the Dragons wrong – retreat from our supermarkets.
I still remember trying Oppo for the first time after a particularly brutal gym session in 2019, feeling like I'd discovered some magical loophole where I could have ice cream without the guilt. Now I'll have to remember to order it online like some kind of organized adult. Sigh.
For now, I'm heading to Tesco to grab the last few tubs before they disappear. My freezer isn't ready for this breakup.
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- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American spends about $1,500 per year on coffee.
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How To Build an Emergency Fund Effectively
Building an emergency fund is essential for financial security. Start by determining how much you need; a common recommendation is to save three to six months' worth of living expenses. Open a separate savings account to keep your emergency funds easily accessible but separate from your regular spending. Automate your savings by setting up a monthly transfer from your checking to your emergency fund. Initially, focus on small, manageable contributions, gradually increasing them as your budget allows. Avoid using this fund for non-emergencies, and replenish it after any withdrawals to maintain your financial safety net.
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