Celebrating the ninth annual FruChocs Appreciation Day on Friday August 21st, confectioner Robern Menz is inviting South Australian chocolate lovers to join in the fun!

A highlight in the calendar for South Aussies since 2011, the day offers an opportunity to praise and indulge in the iconic chocolate coated peach and apricot balls, that have been produced locally for over 70 years, with friends, family, colleagues and loved ones.

With an exciting focus on local collaborations to commemorate the special day this year, South Aussies will be treated to TWO limited edition FruChoc beer flavours by Adelaide’s Big Shed Brewing Concern.

Available from midday Friday at Big Shed Brewing, Royal Park, the BruChoc beer that has already received cult status following last years limited edition releases will be sold as cans in 8 packs, four packs and singles and on tap. It will also be available to buy at local bottle shops.

Using real ingredients from Menz FruChocs with flavours boasting rich chocolate, peach and apricot, the craft beer sent fans into a frenzy last year, selling out of bottles in just 13 minutes at the brewery and beer taps ran dry within hours, and rumours even circulated of individual bottles being sold for a whopping $100 online by those lucky enough to score the chocolatey ale.

The team at Big Shed have concocted an extra special treat for those who visit the brewery with the extremely limited FruSour! Fans can expect the tart taste from the centre of a FruChoc, made into a beer that tastes more like a dry white wine! With a successful sour range already in the market, the brewing team added the dried peach and apricot fruit mince that make up the centre of a Menz FruChoc and let the fruit sugars ferment out. The result is a dry and tart refreshing beer full of flavour and straight from the heart of a FruChoc.

Big Shed Co-Owner, Craig Basford, said it was a no brainer to join forces with the Robern Menz team again to release two new flavours for FruChoc Appreciation Day following the hype surrounding BruChoc Beer last year.

“We always thought that partnering with an iconic SA company like Robern Menz and their FruChoc’s would generate a response, but we had no idea it would create that level of response with BruChoc selling out in record time last year…”

“To be able to make it again, this time in our new premises which allows us to increase supply and improve the quality has us super excited. In these crazy times it’s the sort of thing to give you belief that things will return to ‘normal’ at some stage.”

Robern Menz has also collaborated with local illustrator Casey C to create a collection of custom designed gift boxes for its FruChoc products. The four designs incorporating FruChocs and packshots from past and present with captivating imagery, weave in illustrations of the South Australian state flower, the Sturt’s Desert Pea, in a pop-art style.

Known for creating bright, bold and humorous illustrations that play on South Australian nostalgia, Casey’s artwork has been featured by the likes of ShitAdelaide and Fritz Magazine. 2018 Urban Cow Studio Prize winner Casey says she is thrilled to launch her collection on a day as sacred as FruChoc Appreciation Day.

“The fact that my love of South Australia and my artwork can blend into this moment with FruChocs is one of the highlights of my career, and I am so proud to be a part of such an iconic brands history.”

The limited-edition boxes are available exclusively from 21 August 2020 in the Menz FruChocs shops in Glynde, Hahndorf and McLaren Vale and are set to become collectors’ items. The stores are also offering 25% off storewide on the day and the online store will extend this offer so interstate and overseas friends don’t miss out on the FruChocs fun!

As well as the local collaborations, to keep the spirit alive from home during the current pandemic, Robern Menz has also revealed the top 10 ways to celebrate FruChoc Appreciation Day.

“Despite COVID-19 disrupting this year for many, Robern Menz wanted to ensure this special day still gets the celebration it deserves and aims to bring a much-needed smile to South Aussies faces on Friday,” CEO Phil Sims said.

“We promise a day of fun for FruChocs lovers, including the more than 15,000 members of our FruChoc Appreciation Society, and offer all South Aussies an excuse to indulge their sweet tooth with the re-launch of the highly sought after BruChoc Beer and the Casey C limited edition boxes of FruChocs.”

Pop up shops will be opened at Westfield Tea Tree Plaza and Westfield Marion allowing customers to stock up on treats at these locations for one day only.

FruChocs products have been produced in Adelaide since 1948, with over 60 million made each year at Robern Menz’s factory in Glynde, and in 2005, were certified as an ‘Icon of South Australia’ when they joined the ‘Bank SA Heritage Icons’ list.

“With fan-favourite GIANT FruChocs being brought back earlier this year and novelty flavours like Cherry and Mango FruChocs hitting shelves too, we continue to innovate and excite fans of the beloved chocolate balls of pleasure,” continued Phil.

For more information on special offers and activity taking place on FruChoc Appreciation Day, visit the Menz FruChocs Facebook page at www.facebook.com/menzfruchocs or their website at www.robernmenz.com.au.