Confirming the news with a statement, Coles joins behind Woolworths in removing the iconic brand from its shelves.
'Unfortunately we can confirm that Starburst varieties have been removed from our national range,' a Coles spokesperson said in response to a panicked fan on Facebook.
'We understand how frustrating it can be to see a favourite product disappear from the shelf and we can assure you that this decision is not one made lightly.
'It’s our job to provide customers with choice and value but with limited shelf space we have to balance providing choice with making sure the most popular products customers want to buy are available every time they shop. Keeping products that are not selling on shelf makes this difficult.
'We’re sorry for the disappointment and we’ll ensure your feedback is shared with our Merch Team so they’re aware.'
A Change.org petition calling for Coles and Woolworths to restock Starburst has attracted nearly 100 signatures so far.
Petition creator Katherine M wrote, 'I think it’s a cop-out when your grocery store deletes lines that you’ve always purchased, citing no demand for the product.
'I think it’s a giant conspiracy to demand more money from companies for their shelf space. I get that this isn’t exactly an earth-shattering, world-changing issue.
'Everyone knows, though, how annoying it is to go to a grocery store to find your favourite items are being deleted in favour of home-brand products or just deleted altogether.'
In response to the high-demand for Starburst, an IGA spokesman confirmed their stores would still be stocking the lolly brand.
This article originally appeared on New Idea.
