If you’ve been hunting for that sophisticated scoop of rum and raisin ice cream in your local New Zealand supermarket, you’re not alone – and you might be out of luck! This classic, often favored by an older generation, appears to be quietly disappearing from freezer aisles across the country.
Supermarket giants Foodstuffs and Woolworths have confirmed that after reviewing sales, rum and raisin simply isn’t the bestseller it once was. With Kiwis being among the world’s biggest ice cream lovers (chowing down 28 litres per person annually!), it seems our palates are evolving. Today’s shoppers are opting for a dazzling array of choices, from indulgent chocolate brownie to salted caramel swirls, plant-based options, and fancy small-batch creations. While staples like vanilla, chocolate ripple, and hokey pokey remain eternal champions, rum and raisin hasn’t quite achieved “classic” status in the same way.
Some smaller, trendier ice cream parlours echo this sentiment, finding the “fuddy duddy” flavour a “flop” compared to newer, Instagram-friendly alternatives. One theory for its decline? The alcohol content, which can be a turn-off for a growing number of non-drinkers.
But don’t despair just yet, rum and raisin loyalists! While major supermarket lines have been discontinued, there’s a glimmer of hope. Iconic spots like Original Pokeno Ice Creams still list it as a top-10 seller. Even better, manufacturer Much Moore, which previously discontinued its supermarket line, is hearing the persistent calls from dedicated fans. They’ve hinted that “a comeback might just be on the cards” for food service, export, or even potentially back to wider retail if the demand is strong enough.
So, while you might have to search a little harder for your boozy treat, the story of rum and raisin in Aotearoa isn’t over yet. Perhaps a nostalgic resurgence is just around the corner!
