News that Middletons will no longer sell its legendary milk ice blocks has caused many a dedicated fan to turn to social media in an effort to track down the last remaining treats before they’re sold out.
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The milk ice blocks have long been a favourite of Orange residents, however the Hill Street company has been forced to stop production after it was unable to source full cream milk powder in Australia.
When owner Dick Middleton tried to find the powered milk elsewhere, in China and Europe, he was shocked at the price he’d have to pay.
In fact Chinese sellers were demanding as much as three times what he had previously been paying in order to source a similar product from Australia and New Zealand.
Of course if the Middletons did buy the powered milk from China the company would be forced to drastically increase the cost of the icy treat.
Not only has the decision to stop manufacturing the product been upsetting for the Middletons, there’s sure to be some economic ramifications for them as well.
In reality most of us aren’t simply lamenting the fact that stores will no longer stock this particular product. There’s much more to the story than this.
Middletons Ice Blocks have been enjoyed by our community for the past 70 years, and the milky ice blocks are unique.
Many of us have fond childhood memories spent in the backyard, playing with the dog, kicking around a football and fighting over who gets the last Middletons milk ice block.
Feelings of nostalgia are often tied to happy childhood memories or certain foods we enjoyed when we were young.
Nostalgia is a pretty powerful emotion.
Mr Middleton said that if they could source milk powder at the right price he and his wife Marie would be able to re-start production.
There’s no doubt Middleton’s ice clocks are an iconic Orange company and Dick and Marie have worked hard to make it a success.
They’ve put in long hours and have worked hard to build a reputation for good ice blocks and even more importantly good old- fashioned service.
Over the years they have delivered their ice blocks to corner shops, schools and families throughout Orange and the region.
Here’s hoping the milk ice block can once again be enjoyed by generations to come.