Why is there no Worcestershire Sauce in the supermarket?

Worcester's most famous export is still being produced but "short-term availability of bottles" is quelling the usual flow of one of the nation's favourite condiments.

The sauce, produced in Midland Road, Worcester, is a favourite across the world with many splashing it on cheese on toast or to add fire to cocktails such as a Bloody Mary.

It was reported in June that a "bottling crisis" had prevented the company from replenishing supermarket shelves during the first Covid-19 lockdown and Worcester News understands the pandemic is a factor in this latest supply issue.

A spokesperson for Kraft Heinz said: “Unfortunately full supplies of Lea & Perrins are being affected due to the short-term availability of bottles.

“Of course Lea & Perrins remains the original and genuine Worcestershire sauce and we are working very closely with our supplier to resolve this as a matter of urgency whilst taking steps to minimise the effect on stock availability.”

The company did not offer a timescale for a return to normal service nor the reason behind the stifled bottle supply.

Worcester City Councillor Lynn Denham, who spotted the issue on social media, said: “Lea & Perrins is an important part of every home and every kitchen cupboard,”

“We absolutely hope that it is not missing from Christmas supplies because there is no substitute.

“A chunk of Twitter followers are worried about gaps on supermarket shelves and some people have recommended an alternative but nobody else has the special formula that is only made in Worcestershire.”