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Is Toblerone the Ultimate Holiday Gift?
Why does it seem that Toblerone is only bought at airports and is it the most sold thing at duty free?
Toblerone. Whenever you see a long triangular brick, it can only mean one thing... someone's been on holiday.
But why are Toblerones so synonymous with the Airport and duty-free? Bringing them home after your trip abroad, Toblerones scream 'I've been away'. It almost doesn't feel right when you see them at your local supermarket.
The golden triangly bricks are always piled sky high at the end of shelves. And in so many varieties - novelty Toblerones, tiny Toblerones, almond, dark chocolate, white, gingery orange Toblerones... the list goes on. But why are they always at Duty Free? And do we spend the more on the Swiss chocolate at the airport than anywhere else?
Are Toblerones the most bought thing at the airport?
While it may seem like Toblerone is the most bought item at Airports. You may (or may not) be surprised that last year's top seller at East Midlands Airport was in fact Gordons London Dry Gin. Which we've heard goes very well with a wedge of lemon and a Toblerone.
Being a bit fairer and looking at the chocolate and sweets category only. Toblerone stands in good stead. It is a strong number 2 on the top seller's list. Earning its reputation as an airport associated chocolate. (With Godiva Gold Rigid Ballotin sweeping the sweet top spot for 2019.)
So if it's not the top seller then what is it about Toblerone that makes us think that it should be?
So what makes us want to buy Toblerone at Duty Free?
It is rumoured that 25% of all Toblerone bars are sold in duty-free shops. Toblerone has built upon the brand's airport association; with airport retail being a big part of their sales plan.
Worldwide Toblerone is a firm favourite, produced in Bern, it is iconic as a Swiss chocolate bar. In fact, it is available in 122 countries and more than 90% of it's production is exported.
Toblerone remains true to it's roots. The packaging is iconic, with the gold Matterhorn etched on the side. The Matterhorn mountain is located in Zermatt and if you look closely you can even see the famous bear. Bern is known as the “City of Bears” for exactly this reason.
The reason that Toblerone is trianglular in shape is also rumoured to be from this mountain. Giving Theodor Tobler the inspiration for one of Toblerones most recognised features.
Taking chocolate and adding honey, nougat, and almonds. And then setting it in its prism bar shape, Tobler invented Toblerone. You may notice Tobler's surname and the close resemblance to the chocolate bar. Toblerone is a fusion of Tobler and torrone, which is Italian for ‘nougat’.
Toblerone was trademarked in 1909. In its 100+ year history. It hasn't changed much. If you removed the logo, colouring, and even the mountain, you'd still recognise the packaging as Toblerone.
You've been eating Toblerone Wrong
Controversial.
While you may argue there is no wrong way to eat Toblerone, it is rumoured that the majority of people arn't doing it right. In the same way it is wrong to bite a Kitkat whole rather than breaking the fingers... (this is also morally incorrect but that's a blog for another time.)
Instead of breaking each triangle by pulling the segment away and back towards you. You should instead push the tip of each triangle in towards the rest of the bar. The method provides a clean break with minimal effort. Giving the user the best Toblerone experience. But we'll leave it up to you.
How do you break yours?
In conclusion...
Toblerones are a staple favourite at Duty free
25% of Toblerone sales do come from airport sales
East Midlands best seller is not in fact Toblerone
Toblerone is sold in 122 countries
You're eating it wrong
So there we have it. How ever you choose to eat yours and wherever you choose to buy it. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!