A Lipton superfan has been left fuming after almost ordering £200 worth of his favourite drink – only to find out it’s not actually being discontinued.
Elliott Copson was left devastated after hearing that the Peach Iced Tea – which launched over 20 years ago – would no longer be produced.
Lipton made the announcement on its social media site on Tuesday (20 March).
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Elliott, who has loved the drink since he was just 12 years old, rushed to his nearest Asda – but found none in stock.
Desperate to built up a reserve, the 27-year-old took to local services marketplace Airtasker – offering to pay someone to buy him as many bottles as possible.
“Of course, it’s just my luck that my all-time favourite drink is being discontinued,” the Londoner told What’s The Jam.
“I grew up by the seaside in Cornwall and I remember trying it for the first time on the beach during a day out with my school friends.
“I would buy Lipton Peach Iced Tea whenever I could from the corner shop, either on my way home from school or at the weekends, it has always been my go-to drink.
“It was alarming to find none in my local ASDA, it seems others may have had the same idea.
“But I found a quiet corner shop near my house and bought enough to last me a week.
“Then I posted on Airtasker, as I wanted to make sure I could stock up as much as possible.
“I honestly thought someone had messed with my Lipton Ice Tea and I was ready to lose it.”
Elliott was willing to splash out £200 on the drinks including delivery and the finders fee for the person performing the task.
But on Wednesday morning, less than 24 hours after Lipton’s initial statement, the company revealed that the whole thing was an early April Fool’s Day prank.
“Oops, is it still March? Got my dates mixed up…thought it was April Fools already! I’d never take away your favorite flavour, pookies,” read the social media post caption on the brand’s post.
“Your love of peach has not gone unnoticed.
“But I’ve got your back, I will be sending a surprise to the biggest fans with the best reactions.”
Elliott, who works as an audio technician, was left infuriated. “I’m annoyed they pulled that joke.
“I’m glad I didn’t lock it in, otherwise id just have Peach Iced Tea all over my house for no reason.
“It’s sure [been] a relief but I’m definitely not falling for that again.”
Jam Press has approached Lipton for comment.
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