McVitie’s has launched a new biscuit for 2025, the Gold Billions Chocolate & Hazelnut, inspired by the retro McVitie’s Gold bar from the 1980s and the more recent Gold Billions wafer. This new treat features layers of crisp wafer and a chocolate and hazelnut-flavored cream filling, all encased in a golden caramel chocolate coating. It’s a nostalgic nod to a beloved classic with a modern twist, offering a familiar yet novel experience for biscuit enthusiasts. McVitie’s Brand Manager, Olivia Haley, highlighted the success of the original Gold Billions, which marked the first variation of the 80s classic in over three decades. The new Chocolate & Hazelnut flavor continues this innovative trend, catering to evolving consumer preferences and maintaining McVitie’s position as a leading biscuit brand. The new biscuit is readily available at convenience stores like Nisa and Spar across the UK, with an attractive price point of just £0.79.
The Gold Billions Chocolate & Hazelnut represents McVitie’s ongoing commitment to product development and its responsiveness to market trends. By drawing inspiration from a popular retro product and incorporating the successful Gold Billions wafer format, McVitie’s has created a biscuit with broad appeal. The combination of crisp wafer, chocolate hazelnut cream, and caramel chocolate coating delivers a multi-textural and flavorful experience designed to satisfy a wide range of palates. The affordable price point further enhances the biscuit’s accessibility, making it an appealing treat for consumers seeking both value and indulgence. The launch reflects McVitie’s strategy of leveraging its heritage while simultaneously innovating to stay relevant in a competitive market.
The release of the Gold Billions Chocolate & Hazelnut comes amidst a broader discussion about intellectual property and design within the food industry. Recently, a small chocolate business, Choc on Choc, has accused Marks & Spencer (M&S) of copying its Giant Custard Cream chocolate design. Choc on Choc, known for its oversized chocolate versions of popular biscuits, claims M&S replicated its design, sparking outrage among Choc on Choc’s loyal customer base. This incident follows a previous dispute between the two companies regarding chocolate matchsticks, which resulted in M&S stocking Choc on Choc’s product after social media pressure. These instances highlight the challenges faced by smaller businesses in protecting their designs against larger corporations and the power of consumer advocacy in holding companies accountable.
The accusation against M&S underscores the importance of originality and intellectual property protection within the food industry. For smaller businesses like Choc on Choc, unique product designs are often key to their brand identity and market differentiation. When larger companies appear to replicate these designs, it can not only damage sales but also undermine the smaller company’s brand recognition. The public outcry following the alleged custard cream copycat incident demonstrates the growing consumer awareness of these issues and the willingness to support smaller businesses against potentially unfair practices by larger corporations. This consumer activism can play a crucial role in pressuring companies to acknowledge and address such concerns.
The case of Choc on Choc versus M&S also raises questions about the complexities of design inspiration versus outright copying. While inspiration from existing products is common in the food industry, there is a fine line between drawing inspiration and directly replicating a unique design. Determining this line can be challenging and often leads to disputes, particularly when smaller businesses feel their intellectual property has been infringed upon by larger corporations. The increasing prevalence of social media allows consumers to quickly voice their opinions and exert pressure on companies, potentially influencing the outcome of such disputes.
In conclusion, the launch of McVitie’s Gold Billions Chocolate & Hazelnut biscuit provides a nostalgic treat for consumers while also reflecting the company’s commitment to innovation and market responsiveness. However, the concurrent controversy surrounding M&S and Choc on Choc underscores the ongoing challenges regarding intellectual property and design within the food industry. These incidents highlight the vulnerability of smaller businesses and the importance of consumer advocacy in holding larger corporations accountable for their practices. The increasing power of social media in amplifying these issues further complicates the landscape, making it crucial for companies to navigate these challenges ethically and transparently.
