Matchmakers

Matchmakers are an elongated chocolate confectionery product made by Nestlé. Thin, twig-like and brittle, they were first launched in 1968 by Rowntree's and were one-third of the length they are now - about the length of a match. For many years they were available in either orange, mint, lemon (from its 25th anniversary) or coffee flavour (from its 10th anniversary). Initially branded as suitable for sharing, it was subsequently recognised (by who?) that a box of matchmakers are suitable for one person only. Simply, there is not enough to share.

In 2003 Nestlé attempted to raise brand awareness by changing the names of the flavours to Cool Mint and Zingy Orange and adding Brilliant Blackcurrant and Sizzling Strawberry flavour - which counted 'black pepper flavoured sugar pieces' among its ingredients. Similarly, the packaging was altered in an attempt to appeal to 15- to 35-year-olds, and a new slogan was adopted - 'The manic munch that packs a punch'.

Brandysnap, Cappuccino, Coconut, Christmas Orange Spice, Nutty, Coffee, Lemon and Irish Cream varieties have been produced – sometimes as anniversary special editions – and are not currently available. Brilliant Blackcurrant and Sizzling Strawberry have also been withdrawn.

In 2008, Nestlé rebranded Matchmakers as 'Quality Street Matchmakers', Quality Street also being a Nestlé brand. They are still available in 'Zingy Orange', 'Cool Mint' and now 'Yummy Honeycomb' flavours.

In 2017, before Matchmakers reached its 50th anniversary, Matchmakers became available in a new limited edition 'Salted Caramel' flavour, and from 50th anniversary in October 2018 another limited edition flavour of 'Gingerbread'. September 2019 saw another limited edition flavours appearance in a sky blue box called 'Maple & Pecan'