Arnott’s have changed their Shapes back to the originals. Arnott’s Shapes varieties have been favourites in Aussie households for decades and changing them was a risky move; One that copped a lot of backlash.

The new flavours were introduced because they are claimed to be ‘healthier’ than the old. Do we really care how healthy something is? Most people do not. It’s all about the flavour, and Arnott’s new Shapes, as healthy as they may be, tasted like ‘crap’.

Arnott’s labelled their remake ‘new and improved’ and ‘now with more flavour’. That appealed to the public, I thought maybe they had added more of the original flavour to the Shapes. That wasn’t the case, it was like Arnott’s had used sarcasm, the Shapes were a complete let down.

They had to design a new box for the new Shapes and although it makes sense to keep their colours the same, why did they choose darker colours? Light, bright colours are more appealing and are generally seen as something good. Did Arnott’s know these Shapes were going to be a flop? The colours could suggest they did.

These could be viewed as tactful moves by Arnott’s. Create new Shapes that are terrible compared to the originals, get the public talking about it, demanding they bring the old ones back. Arnott’s respond be bringing them back, and sales of original shapes are at an all time because people have been without them for a while, and want to stock up in case it happens again. Smart move Arnott’s, smart move!

     *     *     *

• blog written by Tamika following a discussion based on the this article.