An iconic ’80s chocolate bar name is making a comeback to supermarket shelves for the first time in more than 30 years. The decision to scrap the name Marathon in 1990 saw the popular snack replaced with the name Snickers – but for a limited time only the Marathon bar is returning.
Many chocoholics have been complaining since the controversial decision was made – and now their day has come. Wales Online reports that the chocolate bars are now set to return in the UK, with Mars revealing it is making a “special Marathon retro edition”.
Senior brand manager Steve Waters said: “We’re excited to bring back the Marathon bar branding for a limited period. It’s a great way to celebrate over 90 years of Mars making chocolate in the UK. We hope fans of Snickers, who remember when it was called Marathon, will enjoy picking it up in store.”
The sweet treat won’t be around for long, however. Snickers sold in Morrisons will have the old name and limited-edition packaging will be available only there until December.
Marathons were sold in the UK from 1967 to 1990. It meant generations of kids grew up with that name. Yet the Snickers brand has actually been around for far longer. The choc went on sale with that title in the US in 1930.
It is believed the firm may have decided to give it a different name in the UK because Snickers rhymes with knickers. Yet those days came to an end in 1990.
Mars decided then to go with universal names for products. People on X were quick to react – and opinion was mostly in favour.
Richard Oliver said ‘finally’ as he reacted to the news. He joked: “Just need Opal Fruits, Jif, and Bounty (the paper towel) to sort their lives out and all will be well again!”
@Sues_1001 wrote: “OMG always has been and always will be a Marathon.” @80s_Kidz said: “The Marathon bar will always be a MARATHON bar not a SNICKERS bar!”
Yet @TheRealCleoGib said: “It’s too close to the word knickers to ever sound delicious. Do your UK market research, Mars!”
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