Checkers brings back iconic chocolate bar discontinued over 10 years ago
Checkers has brought back the Nestlé Caravan, an iconic South African chocolate bar, after more than a decade off the shelves.
This followed a public vote in which shoppers were asked which discontinued treat they most wanted to see return.
The retailer recently asked South Africans on social media to choose their favourite discontinued chocolate from a list of nostalgic treats.
The options included Tempo, Chocolate Log, Inside Story, FFWD, New Look, 7777, Holey Moleys, Yes/No, Take Two and Cabrio.
However, the winner was Caravan, a Nestlé chocolate bar that disappeared from South African shelves years ago.
Checkers has now teamed up with Nestlé to bring the chocolate back in a limited-edition Caravan Tex Special Edition.
The return gives consumers who remember the original bar from childhood tuck shops, corner cafés and pocket-money treats an opportunity to try a new version of the familiar brand.
“You asked, and we listened. Caravan is back and better. The special edition collab is now available in-store and on Sixty60. Nostalgia delivered. While stocks last,” said Checkers.
The original Caravan bar had been absent from the market for many years before its surprise return in September 2026.
Nestlé did not publicly announce an exact year in which the permanent production of Caravan ended, although references to its disappearance can be found in consumer discussions dating back to the 2010s.
The company has previously explained that changes to its confectionery portfolio can involve removing older products to make room for new offerings and respond to changing consumer preferences.
Caravan was not the only discontinued chocolate to attract strong support in the Checkers poll.
Chocolate Log was also among the treats that ranked highly. The bar was a staple in South African tuck shops and homes for decades, known for its gold wrapper, marshmallow centre, and crisp wafer base covered in milk chocolate.
The other iconic chocolates South Africans want back on the shelves
Chocolate Log was discontinued in August 2020, with Nestlé saying the decision formed part of its approach to product innovation.
The company said the chocolate category was influenced by shifting consumer tastes and trends, prompting manufacturers to make room for new products.
Tempo was another popular choice among voters. The Cadbury chocolate bar was launched in South Africa in 1986 after being developed locally by Barry Fern and marketed by Lois Wagner.
It became one of the country’s most successful new snack launches of the decade. Tempo was distinctive for its shortcake biscuit centre and caramel layer, covered in Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate.
The South African-exclusive product developed a loyal following before being discontinued in 2017.
Mondelēz International, which owns Cadbury, said the decision reflected changing consumer preferences and the need to streamline its product range.
Tempo was replaced by Cadbury 5 Star, although the original bar continued to attract calls for a return from consumers.
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