A sum of $50,000 can be quite versatile in its usage, whether for acquiring a new SUV, funding a significant kitchen makeover, making a down payment on a home, or saving for retirement. Alternatively, one could opt to participate in an auction on eBay for a 24-pack of Hershey’s Cherry Blossom chocolates, as currently offered by a seller from Oakville, Ont., at a price of $48,300.
Following Hershey’s announcement in January about discontinuing the beloved yet polarizing Cherry Blossom chocolate, demand for the product has surged. The candy, featuring a maraschino cherry enclosed in milk chocolate with coconut and peanut fragments, has left many Canadians scrambling to secure the last remaining pieces.
Major retailers like Amazon and Walmart have sold out of Cherry Blossoms, and even local stores and online platforms are struggling to keep them in stock. This scarcity has led to a resale market boom, with sellers on eBay and Etsy asking exorbitant prices ranging from $100 to $950 for various pack sizes.
Individuals like Jerome Lavoie from Gatineau, Que., have capitalized on this opportunity, offering their stockpile of Cherry Blossoms for sale. Lavoie, a die-hard fan of the candy since childhood, has listed eight pieces for $100, aiming to cater to nostalgic buyers willing to pay a premium for the discontinued treat.
The sentimental value attached to Cherry Blossoms is evident from anecdotes shared by consumers like Justin Ball from Lethbridge, Alta., who discovered a long-forgotten piece in his candy drawer. Despite the potential profit, Ball chose to savor his last piece of the cherished Canadian chocolate, emphasizing the emotional connection it held with his late grandmother.
While some seek financial gain through reselling, others like Ball find more joy in reliving nostalgic memories associated with the iconic candy. As Cherry Blossoms become increasingly scarce, their allure extends beyond taste, encapsulating a piece of Canadian confectionery history that continues to captivate enthusiasts.