Pallavi Mathur

Pallavi Mathur is the founder and editor of Crumb Wire. She cut her teeth in PR before turning her lifelong passion for food into a full time gig. Pallavi brings readers a daily digest of what's hot in food and drink, covering restaurants, retail and features rooted firmly in food culture.

Toki Bistro & Bar strengthens food and wine team with new appointments

Toki Bistro & Bar has announced two senior appointments, with chef Jacob Lee joining as Executive Group Head Chef and Lisa Cardelli stepping in as Head Sommelier. The dual hire marks a new chapter for the North Sydney restaurant, part of the Miller Collective, as it looks to refine its food and wine offering with a stronger focus on seasonality, balance and pairing. Lee brings international experience spanning South Korea, the United States and Australia. Raised in a small town outside Seoul, his interest in cooking began at home, shaped by time spent in the kitchen with his mother and a respect for traditional flavours. His career includes time at Michelin-starred A Voce Columbus in New York, a tenure as head chef at Mingles in Seoul and a role as research and development chef at Tartine Bakery in Seoul, where he worked closely with baker Chad Robertson. After relocating to Australia in February 2024, Lee spent time at Flying Fish in Pyrmont before joining Toki. In his new role, he will oversee the culinary direction across the group, bringing together Asian flavour foundations with modern Australian ingredients. At Toki, this will translate into a menu built around harmony, balance and a clear sense of narrative. Joining him is Head Sommelier Lisa Cardelli, whose 15-year career includes roles at Vue de Monde, The Point in Albert Park and Rosetta Melbourne during its time within Neil Perry’s former Rockpool Group. Born and raised in Tuscany, Cardelli specialises in Italian wine and holds certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers alongside a WSET Level 4 Diploma. Alongside her work in restaurants, Cardelli teaches WSET in Melbourne and contributes to publications including WinePilot, Halliday, Qantas Travel Insider, Decanter and Il Globo. She has also served on judging panels for Australia and China’s Wine List of the Year Awards. At Toki Bistro & Bar, Cardelli is developing a new wine list shaped by Parisian sensibilities, with an emphasis on elegance and balance, designed to work closely with Lee’s seasonal cooking and local produce. Together, the appointments signal a shift in direction for Toki, placing thoughtful cooking and considered wine pairing at the centre of its next phase. Source: Curated Agency Find more dining out updates on Crumb Wire.

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Felons Barrel Room is gearing up for Lunar New Year on Manly Wharf

Felons Barrel Room is marking Lunar New Year with a four-day program of food, tradition and community on Manly Wharf, celebrating the Year of the Fire Horse from February 19 to February 22. The centrepiece of the program is a ticketed Lunar New Year Feast on Thursday night, featuring a shared banquet curated by Saigon Supper Inn, the Vietnamese kitchen within Felons Barrel Room, led by chef Bao La. The menu The menu draws on the symbolism of traditional Tết dining, with dishes designed to represent prosperity, abundance, longevity and togetherness. The banquet menu leans into generous, share-style plates, including prawn spring rolls, chicken dumplings shaped like ancient ingots, prawn and pork wontons, longevity noodles, steamed whole coral trout, Peking duck, soft shell crab fried rice and seasonal greens. The format reflects the communal nature of Lunar New Year celebrations, with dishes intended to be enjoyed across the table. A celebration of prosperity Traditional lion dancing will accompany the celebrations, with a performance scheduled for 7:30 pm on Thursday evening as part of the banquet. A second lion dance will take place on Sunday at 1:45 pm, welcoming families and daytime visitors to the precinct. Across the weekend, guests can also visit the Felons Barrel Room fortune tree, inviting wishes of luck, prosperity and renewal, while settling in with barrel-aged beers and Vietnamese-inspired dishes. The Lunar New Year Feast on Thursday, February 19, is ticketed, with bookings recommended. The remaining events across the weekend are free to attend, with walk-ins welcome. Source: The Cru Find more dining out updates on Crumb Wire.

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Sydney venues going LIVE & LOUD for Super Bowl LX

Super Bowl LX hits Sydney on Monday, February 9, with venues across the city going LIVE & LOUD for the early kick-off. Sydney venues are covering all bases this year, with tailgate-style parties at Cargo and Bungalow 8, jumbo-screen pub sessions at spots like The Light Brigade, Woollahra Hotel, Forrester’s, The Marsden Brewhouse, The Mona, Darling Pavilion, BrewDog South Eveleigh and Taphouse, plus rooftop action at Untied and waterfront watch parties at Kingsleys Woolloomooloo, Henley’s and The Squires Landing. Expect mega screens, bottomless packages, wings, beer buckets and all-day game-day energy across the city. Here’s where to watch Super Bowl LX in Sydney: Forrester’s Forrester’s is going big on game-day fuel, hosting a high-energy Super Bowl session with a $50pp all-inclusive package built to last the entire game. Guests score a bottle of Coors on arrival, wings, a pulled pork burger and flowing beer, with $12 pints and $33 mega jugs of Coors pouring throughout the morning. One of Surry Hills’ most popular Super Bowl sessions, and bookings are essential. Offers: $50pp package, Coors on arrival, wings and pulled pork burger, dog-friendly. Doors: 9:30 am Bookings here The Squires Landing Super Bowl goes LIVE & LOUD on Level 2 at The Squires Landing, with every hit, throw and touchdown playing out on the big screen. Expect strong game-day energy and $12 pints from the James Squire Core Range flowing all morning. Offers: $12 pints from the JS Core Range Doors: 9 am Bookings here Woolahara Hotel The Woollahra Hotel is turning its upstairs terrace into a Super Bowl stronghold, with the Super Screen front and centre from kick-off to final whistle. Add a line-up of wings, burgers and schooner specials and you’ve got an easy east-side option for Super Bowl Monday. Offers: $20 kilo of wings, $20 burgers, $10 schooners of 4 Pines American Lager Doors: 10 am Bookings here Bungalow 8 One of Sydney’s biggest Super Bowl parties returns to King Street Wharf’s Bungalow 8 with LIVE & LOUD screens, free entry and an all-day party atmosphere hat doesn’t drop off post-game. Live cheerleader performances run during the game, with DJs taking over after the final whistle. Groups of six or more can book the Luxury Cabana Package, which includes a private cabana, bottomless brews from 10am–1pm and a tasting platter of signature wings on arrival. Offers: Free entry, cheerleaders, DJ after-party, $139pp cabana package Doors: 9:30 am Bookings here Cargo Bar Cargo’s iconic tailgate-style Super Bowl party returns with a full-scale setup in the heart of Darling Harbour. Every play runs LIVE & LOUD across two jumbo screens, backed by halftime entertainment including cheerleaders, skill games, competitions and DJs taking over post-game. Food and drink specials run all day, making this one of Sydney’s biggest Super Bowl sessions. Offers: Two jumbo screens, tailgate party, entertainment all day, DJ after-party Doors: 9:30 am Bookings here BrewDog South Eveleigh BrewDog takes over Super Bowl Monday with coverage across three mega screens, including an outdoor setup for alfresco viewing. The menu leans heavily into game-day classics, with all-you-can-eat wings, halftime raffles and set packages for those locking in a long session. Offers: $30 AYCE wings, $120pp game-day package, $60pp drinks-only package, outdoor screen, dog-friendly Doors: 10 am Bookings here Darling Pavilion Darling Pavilion hosts Super Bowl Monday with big screens, busy tables and an American-style game-day menu built for long viewing sessions. A four-hour premium beverage package is available for those settling in. Offers: Game-day menu, $85pp four-hour premium beverage package Doors: 10 am Bookings here Henley’s Henley’s fires up from 9:30am with LIVE & LOUD coverage, giveaways, prizes and beers flowing throughout the morning. The Deluxe Bottomless Package includes four hours of free-flowing drinks, a brekkie burger on arrival and prime seating. Offers: $99pp deluxe bottomless package with brekkie burger Doors: 9:30 am Bookings here Kingsleys Woolloomooloo Kingsleys pairs Super Bowl LX with waterfront long-lunch energy. Guests are welcomed with a Bloody Mary on arrival before settling in for a chef-curated three-course banquet and four hours of premium drinks. Offers: $199pp long lunch including three-course banquet and drinks package Doors: 10 am Bookings here Taphouse Taphouse delivers a classic American-style Super Bowl session, with LIVE & LOUD screens, buffalo wings, Coors specials and the loaded Super Munch Bowl designed for grazing. Food and drink specials run steadily throughout the game. Offers: $12 Coors pints, $14 buffalo wings, $18 Super Munch Bowl, $33 Coors mega jugs, dog-friendly Doors: 10 am Bookings here Untied Barangaroo favourite Untied launches its first-ever Super Bowl rooftop party, pairing skyline views with big screens and a bottomless package designed for the full session. Offers: Rooftop viewing, $99pp bottomless drinks and snack platter Doors: 10 am Bookings here The Mona A Northern Beaches favourite for Super Bowl Monday, The Mona goes LIVE & LOUD in the sports bar with $1 wings, Budweiser deals and free Bud hats while stocks last. Big screens and strong value run all morning. Offers: $1 wings, $8 Budweiser bottles, $25 Bud buckets Doors: 10 am Bookings here The Marsden Brewhouse Super Bowl lights up Marsden Park with LIVE & LOUD action on one of Greater Western Sydney’s biggest beer garden screens. The American-style menu features brisket nachos, wings and Philly cheesesteaks, alongside Bud bucket specials. Offers: $30 Bud buckets, American food specials from $17 Doors: 9 am Bookings here The Light Brigade The Light Brigade brings Super Bowl LX to the sports bar with wall-to-wall screens and a full game-day menu. Jug and schooner specials, Bud buckets and classic pub favourites keep the session moving from kick-off to final whistle. Offers: 4 Pines American Lager specials, $25 Bud buckets, Super Bowl food specials Doors: 10 am Bookings here Find more food and drink features on Crumb Wire.

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Peri Peri Hot Roast chooks hit Coles shelves

Coles has added a spicy new option to its deli lineup with the launch of a limited-edition Peri Peri Hot Roast RSPCA Approved Chicken, now rolling out across stores nationwide. The new roast chook puts a peri peri spin on one of Coles’ most familiar offerings, taking the classic hot chicken and giving it a bolder flavour profile aimed at quick dinners and easy sharing. It features peri peri–infused roasted skin, a seasoned brine and a spiced herb couscous stuffing, all designed to be ready straight from the deli. The peri peri seasoning combines bird’s eye chillies, garlic and sweet paprika with oregano and cumin, before a hit of lemon cuts through the richness. Inspired by Portuguese-style flavours, the chicken is designed to work across a range of meals, from wraps and loaded peri peri chips to a classic roast chicken roll, as well as alongside simple sides for weeknight dinners or summer barbecues. Coles General Manager Meat, Deli and Seafood Karen O’Connor said the limited-edition roast chicken was developed to bring a new flavour into customers’ regular meal rotation. “Our RSPCA approved hot roast chicken is an Aussie classic, so we’re always looking for new ways to delight customers with flavours they’ll love. “It’s our second highest selling product across the country, and last year we sold more than 20 million of our RSPCA approved hot roast chickens. We knew we had to get the flavour profile spot on, with a punchy peri peri hit, a juicy roast finish, and a spiced couscous stuffing that complements all kinds of sides. “Our new peri peri chicken is the ultimate grab-and-go dinner, bringing big flavour that rivals takeaway taste without the extra effort, whether you’re feeding a crowd at a barbeque or sorting a quick weeknight meal.” The release builds on Coles’ wider peri peri range, which includes sliced peri peri roast chicken breast, peri peri mayonnaise and a peri peri quinoa tuna snack. The limited-edition Peri Peri Hot Roast RSPCA Approved Chicken is available now from Coles deli counters nationwide, retailing for $13.50 while stocks last. Find more food retail updates on Crumb Wire.

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Maxibon’s new choc chip cookie flavour lands this summer

Maxibon has introduced a brand new flavour to its range: the Maxibon Choc Chip Cookie. The new product features a cookie dough flavoured slab filled with choc chips, sandwiched between two choc chip cookies and dipped in chocolate. The release comes as cookies continue to dominate Australia’s snack habits, both in supermarkets and online. The local cookie market is valued at $1.8 billion and continues to grow, while cookie-related content has attracted more than 11.4 billion views on TikTok. Choc chip remains the most popular flavour, accounting for close to 2 billion views on its own. The Maxibon Choc Chip Cookie is a first for the brand in Australia and shifts the focus firmly towards the biscuit side of the Bon, a long-running point of debate among fans. “We know the biccie side is the favourite part of the Bon for many fans, so this launch was all about enhancing that experience even further with a creation Aussies haven’t yet seen from Maxibon,” said Peters Ice Cream Head of Marketing Andrea Hamori. “Maxibon Choc Chip Cookie was made to be craved – a fully loaded, cookie-centric Bon designed to deliver on texture and flavour. If you love cookies, this one’s for you.” Peters Ice Cream has been an Australian tradition since 1907, carrying a host of brands that range from healthy, low-sugar options to everyday snacks for all occasions. The brand is responsible for some of Australia’s most loved frozen flavours, such as Drumstick, Connoisseur, Frosty Fruits, Proud & Punch and Maxibon. The new Maxibon flavour will launch exclusively at 7-Eleven stores from January 25. From mid-February, it will roll out nationally in multipacks at Coles, Woolworths and independent grocery stores, as well as single units in petrol, convenience and impulse outlets. Multipacks will be priced at $11.50, with single units priced at $5.60. Source: WiredCo. Find more food retail updates on Crumb Wire.

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Macca’s launches limited-edition FRIENDS Meal with collectibles

Macca’s is rolling out a limited-edition FRIENDS Meal across Australia, bringing together themed packaging, character collectibles and a new dipping sauce inspired by the TV show. Launching Wednesday, January 28, the collaboration between McDonald’s Australia and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products taps into FRIENDS nostalgia, with meals designed around shared moments and pop-culture references from the series. Customers can choose between a Big Mac or a 10-piece Chicken McNuggets, served with Fries and a drink. Each FRIENDS Meal comes in themed packaging and includes one of six collectible figurines, each pairing a main character with an iconic moment from the show. The collectible range features Ross with his pet monkey Marcel, Rachel serving coffee, Monica in chef mode, Phoebe with her guitar, and Chandler and Joey alongside their chick and duck. Those ordering the Chicken McNuggets option will also receive Monica’s Marinara Sauce, a tomato-based sauce made with capsicum, vegetables, spices and chilli, designed for dipping both McNuggets and Fries. “At Macca’s, we’re all about shared moments and what better way to celebrate that than with FRIENDS? This epic partnership brings together two cultural icons that stand for connection, comfort and joy because just like your favourite FRIENDS character, your Macca’s order says a lot about you,” said Amanda Nakad, Marketing Director of Menu and Brand for McDonald’s Australia. “Our new FRIENDS-inspired meal gives fans of Macca’s and the show a fresh way to come together, whether it’s over Fries or on the couch.” As part of the promotion, Macca’s is also offering customers the chance to win limited-edition FRIENDS Collector Mugs. A total of 300 sets of four mugs are available, with entry unlocked after purchasing three FRIENDS Meals exclusively through the MyMacca’s app during the promotion period. The MyMacca’s app will also feature three FRIENDS-themed games, including a trivia challenge, a café-style puzzle inspired by Rachel’s Central Perk job and a block puzzle referencing Ross’s infamous couch scene. The FRIENDS Meal will be available for a limited time from Wednesday, January 28 via drive-thru, front counter, kiosks and the MyMacca’s app. Source: Omnicom Find more food and drink news on Crumb Wire.

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Crumb Wire weekly round up: January 23, 2026

Welcome to Crumb Wire‘s weekly round-up. Here, we’ll reshare the week’s hottest food and drink stories, launches and features. Three Melbourne venues bringing the Australian Open atmosphere off court As the Australian Open returns to Melbourne, several city venues are hosting Australian Open-themed takeovers throughout January, offering fans a way to tap into the tournament atmosphere without a ticket to the tennis. Across the month, three Melbourne venues are running distinct Australian Open experiences, each with a different focus, from rooftop wine sessions to high-energy sports bars and cocktail-led evenings. Only the best for your boo: Upcoming Valentine’s Experiences at The Star Sydney The Star Sydney has unveiled three Valentine’s Day set menus across Sokyo, BLACK Bar & Grill and Cucina Porto, offering Japanese, steakhouse and Italian dining options for February 14. ALDI’s Special Buys and liquor are now on DoorDash ALDI has expanded its delivery offering through DoorDash, with liquor and Special Buys now available for on-demand delivery in Australia. From this week, ALDI’s range of beers, wines and spirits will be available for delivery via DoorDash for eligible shoppers in New South Wales and Victoria. The move marks the first time ALDI Liquor has been offered through the delivery platform. Bar Yarra is the new all-day local at Ovolo South Yarra Neighbourhood local Bar Yarra has opened in Melbourne’s leafy inner south, bringing an all-day offering of breakfast, bistro-style dining and late-night cocktails to South Yarra. Located inside Ovolo Hotel South Yarra, the venue is designed as a casual local that caters to different moments across the day, with breakfast and dinner currently available and lunch service set to follow in February.  Two new seasonal ranges are landing at Haigh’s Chocolates Haigh’s Chocolates has unveiled two limited-edition ranges for Lunar New Year and Valentine’s Day 2026. The collection introduces some spanking new chocolates alongside a few returning favourites. Both ranges present as giftable formats, with distinct designs and flavour profiles tailored to each occasion. The largest fish market in the Southern Hemisphere is officially open: Sydney Sydney Fish Market has officially opened its new home on Blackwattle Bay, bringing wholesale seafood trading, retail and dining together under one roof for the first time. The new market opened on January 19, marking a major moment for Australia’s seafood industry.  Building buzz: Inside Sydney’s first Dragon Hot Pot Dragon Hot Pot has continued to build momentum in New South Wales following the December opening of its first Sydney flagship in Haymarket. Since opening, the Sydney venue has positioned itself within one of the city’s busiest food precincts, attracting a mix of students, young professionals and late-night diners.  Bulla FROYO wants Australians to turn forgotten pantry snacks into dessert toppings Bulla FROYO has released new research suggesting Australian households are sitting on close to $1 billion worth of forgotten food items, with pantry clutter emerging as both a financial and food waste issue. The national study, titled The Great Australian Pantry Raid, found that 75% of Australian households regularly rediscover unused pantry items, including spice blends, snacks pushed to the back of cupboards and leftover baking decorations. Plants on a plane: Emirates reimagines plant-based meal options Emirates has confirmed it is developing a new range of plant-based dishes focused on whole, minimally processed ingredients, with the updated offering expected to be introduced onboard in 2027. The airline says the new concepts are being developed in response to growing global interest in nutrition, health and wellbeing, alongside a shift towards simpler, less processed food. Roma Foods celebrates 70 years with a renewed focus on whole ingredients Roma Foods has marked 70 years in Australian food by leaning into simpler, plant-based ingredients and a back-to-basics approach to how food is made and consumed. Founded in Victoria, Roma Foods has grown from a small Australian manufacturer into a global supplier exporting to more than 70 countries.  PopBox brings Wicked: For Good to Coles and Woolworths with prize draws PopBox has launched a limited-edition collaboration with Wicked: For Good to coincide with the film’s digital at-home release. The promotion includes themed popcorn packs and a series of supermarket competitions offering replica props and movie-night prizes. The collaboration is rolling out nationally, with exclusive prizes available through Woolworths, Coles and participating retailers. Whittaker’s Slab range has hit 7-Eleven shelves nationwide Whittaker’s has brought its Slab chocolate range to 7-Eleven Australia, making the bars available through convenience stores nationwide. The rollout makes it easier than ever for shoppers to find Whittaker’s chocolate, with the range being stocked across 7-Eleven’s national store network. Find more food and drink stories on Crumb Wire.

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Whittaker’s Slab range has hit 7-Eleven shelves nationwide

Whittaker’s has brought its Slab chocolate range to 7-Eleven Australia, making the bars available through convenience stores nationwide. The rollout makes it easier than ever for shoppers to find Whittaker’s chocolate, with the range being stocked across 7-Eleven’s national store network. Designed as a smaller-format bar, the Slab range is aimed at on-the-go purchases such as commutes, road trips and mid-afternoon snack stops. The range is available in four flavours: Creamy Milk, Almond Gold, Coconut Slab and Peanut Slab. “Whittaker’s Slabs are designed for those small, everyday moments where you want something genuinely satisfying,” says Holly Whittaker, co-COO of Whittaker’s. “Launching Slabs into 7-Eleven makes it easier for Chocolate Lovers to enjoy the quality and care we put into our chocolate – whether on the road, on a break, or simply to treat yourself, and we’re excited to now be available in 7-Eleven stores nationwide.” Rob Kirby, General Manager of Merchandise at 7-Eleven Australia, says: “Partnering with a globally renowned brand like Whittaker’s allows us to deliver meaningful innovation across our national network. The Slabs have launched strongly, with early sales and customer response exceeding expectations. “This is exactly the kind of offer that builds everyday relevance while reinforcing 7-Eleven’s ambition to be Australia’s destination for innovation in confectionery and snacks.” Arguably New Zealand’s most cherished export, Whittaker’s chocolates have been available to Aussie chocoholics via major retailers and supermarkets thus far. This new partnership marks a welcome step in the brand’s expansion in the local market. Whittaker’s Slabs are now available in 7-Eleven Australia stores nationwide for an RRP of $4.00. Source: Good Appetite Find more food retail updates on Crumb Wire.

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Pic’s Peanut Butter lovers get one-day crookie at Rustica bakeries

Pic’s Peanut Butter has teamed up with Melbourne bakery Rustica for a one-day-only collaboration to mark International Peanut Butter Day. The partnership centres on a limited-edition Pic’s Peanut Butter and Popcorn Crookie, a hybrid pastry that combines elements of a cookie and a croissant. The crookie has been developed by the Rustica team and will be sold during normal store opening hours. “International Peanut Butter Day gives us an extra excuse to celebrate the humble peanut and the work we do at Pic’s Peanut Butter,” says Aimee McCammon, CEO of Pic’s Peanut Butter. “Partnering with bakery icons Rustica felt like a natural fit, bringing together quality baked deliciousness and our much-loved peanut butter – a match made in heaven.” As part of the promotion, Rustica’s South Yarra store will offer an additional giveaway, with the first 24 customers who purchase the Pic’s Peanut Butter creation receiving a free jar of Pic’s Peanut Butter to take home. The item will be available for one day only across all nine Rustica locations on Saturday, January 24, while stocks last. Source: Good Appetite Find more food retail updates on Crumb Wire.

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PopBox brings Wicked: For Good to Coles and Woolworths with prize draws

PopBox has launched a limited-edition collaboration with Wicked: For Good to coincide with the film’s digital at-home release. The promotion includes themed popcorn packs and a series of supermarket competitions offering replica props and movie-night prizes. The collaboration is rolling out nationally, with exclusive prizes available through Woolworths, Coles and participating retailers. Woolworths exclusive: Shoppers who purchase any PopBox product at Woolworths can enter to win The Grimmerie, a replica prop from Wicked: For Good valued at $8,500. The prize also includes a year’s supply of PopBox. Coles exclusive: Customers who purchase PopBox at Coles can enter to win Glinda the Good Witch’s wand, a replica prop from the film valued at $6,500, along with a year’s supply of PopBox. Nationwide competition: All PopBox purchasers nationwide can enter to win a movie-night bundle featuring an LG 4K UHD Smart Projector, LG Q Series Dolby Atmos Soundbar, an Apple gift card and a year’s supply of PopBox, with a total prize value of $3,582. Twenty runners-up will each receive a one-month supply of PopBox. Mark Adamson, CEO of PopBox, said: “Wicked: For Good has captivated audiences across Australia, and this partnership gives us the opportunity to bring that joy and popcorn into the homes of PopBox fans across the country for their at-home watch parties. “The drama and spectacle of Wicked: For Good align perfectly with PopBox, and we’re thrilled to see this limited-edition collaboration available in retailers for Aussies to pop, share and enjoy.” The limited-edition PopBox packaging draws on the visual world of Wicked: For Good and is available at Coles, Woolworths and independent retailers while stocks last. “We’re thrilled to partner with PopBox to celebrate our at-home digital release of Wicked: For Good and are excited for fans to enjoy a special movie-night experience,” added Poonam Kirkham, Vice-President of International Marketing, Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. The collaboration includes PopBox’s Mega Butter, Butter, Sweet & Salty and Caramel Crunch flavours, which are available nationwide for an RRP of $4. Source: Good Appetite Find more food retail updates on Crumb Wire.

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