Situated on the main road of picturesque McLaren Vale is the Menz FruChocs Shop. Whether you're on the lookout for the perfect gift, or something to satisfy your sweet tooth, the FruChocs Shop will have something to suit your needs.
Since they were first made in 1948, Menz FruChocs have been devoured and enjoyed by South Australians. They are a treasured South Australian icon, which is no wonder considering how tasty they are.
We absolutely love this iconic South Australian treat. Over the course of this post, we'll tell you all the reasons why we find the FruChocs Shop in McLaren Vale so special.
The Selection
As well as the famous FruChocs, there is also a wide selection of other chocolates (including vegan chocolate!), lollies and sweet sensations available. There are a variety of different Menz chocolates and lollies. Whether your interest is in the delicious chocolate covered raspberries, or just a simple bag of lolly bananas, there's something there for everyone.
Their range is not limited to just confectionery. There is a fridge filled with Nippys flavoured milks and a freezer stocked with South Australian made ice creams.
Gifts Galore
As well as delightful and delicious treats to take home for yourself, there is an assortment of pre-made gift boxes available. There are lots of different types, ranging from small FruChoc boxes to giant boxes filled to the brim with delicious Menz confectionery.
As well as being the perfect gift for birthdays and anniversaries, when it comes to special holidays, Menz FruChocs Shop has your Christmas and Easter presents covered. With chocolates being one of the favourites at Easter time, a stop at the FruChocs Shop is a great way to fill your Easter needs for the whole family.
History
The Menz story starts back in 1850 when Johan and Magdelena Menz opened a grocery and baking business in Wakefield Street, Adelaide. Shortly after which, their iconic Yo-Yo biscuits become a household favourite.
Since opening their doors in 1850 the Menz brand has grown, creating some of South Australia's most iconic products such as; Menz Crown Mints (First produced in 1892) and FruChocs (First produced in 1948).
1850 - Johan and Magdelena Menz began grocery and baking business, W Menz & Co, in Wakefield Street, Adelaide. Iconic biscuit, Yo Yo’s soon becomes a household favourite
1892 - New equipment was installed to produce confectionery, in particular the peppermint lozenge, today known as the Menz Crown Mint
1908 - Walter Sims opens the first of his four grocery stores in North Unley
1926 - Walter Sims buys a factory in Irymple, near Mildura to ensure reliable supply of dried fruit. The Robern name was born – a hybrid name dedicated to the memory of friend Robert Burnell
1934 - Walter Sims became the first grocery retailer to join the Serv-Wel co-operative chain of stores
1940 - Edgar Sims expands the manufacturing business to include dried, canned and frozen fruit and dehydrated vegetables in 6 factories – Loxton, Irymple, Angaston, Mile End, Hectorville and North Unley
1948 - Menz creates choc-coated fruit treat, Menz FruChocs
1964 - Menz joins other biscuit manufacturers to form Arnott-Motteram-Menz
1970 - Grantley W Sims introduces mechanised production to compete with overseas suppliers
1978 - Robern enters confectionery market buying Tandy Lifesavers
1985 - Robern buys a honeycomb plant from Hoadleys and sets up a manufacturing plant in Stepney, South Australia.
1992 - US company Campbell Soup Company takes over Arnotts Biscuits and Robern purchases Menz Confectionery. Business changes name to Robern Menz
1995 - Robern Menz purchases the former Glover-Gibbs pie factory and re-locates all its fruit and confectionery manufacturing to Glynburn Road, Glynde
2003 - The FruChocs Shop at McLaren Vale is officially opened.
2005 - ‘Menz FruChocs’ become an official ‘Icon of South Australia’ by the National Trust
2008 - Robern Menz celebrates 100 years of (Sims) family business ownership
2012 - The FruChocs Shop at Hahndorf is officially opened.
2013 - Robern Menz is inducted in to the Food South Australia Hall of Fame & wins the inagural Consumer Choice Award.
2015 - Robern Menz again wins the Consumer Choice Award (as voted by the public) at the South Australian Food Industry Awards.Source: Robern Menz - About Us
The Original Machinery
When you visit the FruChocs Shop, you'll also get to see the still-functioning original machinery that was used to make Menz Crown Mints back in 1892, as well as read a bit of information about it. It's really interesting to see just how these yummy treats have been made.
As well as a great selection of pre-packaged treats, there is also a machine running where you can choose out your favourite things and get them covered in delicious Menz chocolate. Just take into account that this only runs at certain times, generally on weekends, so it may not always be available when you visit.
Are There Any Other FruChocs Shops?
If McLaren Vale is a bit too far for you, there are a couple of other FruChoc Shops for you to visit as well. There is a shop located on the Main Road of Hahndorf, as well as a shop on Glynburn Road in Glynde. If you're a bit further out, or can't make it to any of the Menz Fruchoc Stores, you can order your South Australian made goodies online on the Robern Menz Website
So the next time you're on the lookout for a gift, or for something to satisfy your sweet tooth, head on down to the Menz FruChocs Shop in McLaren Vale.
If you have any other suggestions of iconic South Australian places to visit, let us know!
The Menz FruChocs Shop: McLaren Vale
for more 'heaps good' South Australian content.