Over 70,000 Bertie Beetle showbags are packed and ready to hit the shelves at the Perth Royal Show after the iconic item was absent from last year’s event due to production delays.
When the Royal Show takes over Claremont Showground between September 21 and 27, seven different Bertie Beetle bags will be available to the public after chocolate lovers missed out last year.
A special 60th birthday celebration bag, priced at $18, is among the different choices available — which will include 20 chocolates and either a pair of ceramic egg cups or special Bertie Beetle birthday cards.
The cheapest option at this year’s show will be the Bertie Beetle Blue bag, which will cost punters $5. It includes two Kit Kats and five chocolates.
The other bags are priced at $8, $12, $18, $20 and $25.
Organisers are expecting the biggest years of sales for Beertie Beetle bags since its debut in 1963.
Workers at the national showbags factory in Malaga were busy packing the bags on Wednesday, just weeks before families flock to the event.
Premier Roger Cook announced the bag would make a return back in July, admitting families were “disappointed” it didn’t feature in the 2023 show.
“I know that many families were disappointed when the Bertie Beetle bag was suspended as a result of COVID and maybe a chocolate shortage or something like that,” Mr Cook said.
“But I can confirm that the Bertie Beetle bag is back with their 60th anniversary bag.
“I’m sure that’s a relief to everyone, and just adds to the excitement of another royal show for 2024.”
This year, children under 15 years old will enter for free — a first for the Royal Show.
Adults and concession tickets have been halved to $22 and $12.50 respectively.