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A Dunedin group attempting to continue production of some traditional New Zealand sweets say their campaign is "deadly serious".
Cadbury-Schweppes, which owns the Pascall brand, last month said it was dropping Snifters, Tangy Fruits and Sparkles because of lack of consumer demand.
Dunedin protesters Leigh Paterson and Luci McConnon this week recruited friends and fellow lolly lovers to form the Sugar Liberation Army (SLA), which opposes Cadbury's decision.
Wearing home-made costumes and waving banners, a group of about 35 demonstrators launched Operation Tang outside Cadbury's factory in Cumberland St yesterday, the Otago Daily Times reported.
SLA members said they were serious about saving the endangered confectionery.
"We are deadly serious. Confectionery is important. I might only have Sparkles once every two weeks, but I like having that choice," Ms Paterson said.
People should protest more often against changes to food which had sentimental appeal, she said.
Although the immediate concern was saving "the big three" - Snifters , Sparkles and Tangy Fruits - members had discussed a shortage of "decent licorice straps".
The protest drew a rowdy response from most motorists and passersby.
Earlier this week, Cadbury corporate communications manager Daniel Ellis said since early 2007, the company had increased the number of outlets selling the confectionery in an unsuccessful bid to lift sales of the products.
Production of the sweets stopped in June.
- NZPA
