Supermarket giant Tesco are said to have paused their supply of certain Heinz products following a dispute over pricing.
Shelves are now said to be limited on their supply of Heinz Beanz and Ketchup products.
Customers logging onto Tesco's website are being faced with many items that are 'unavailable' such as the company's Beanz 4x415g, Sticky Barbecue Sauce 500g, Salad Cream 605g, Baked Beans & Pork Sausages 200g, Beanz No Added Sugar 4x415g Snap Pots 4x200g, Beanz No Added Sugar 200g and Chicken Noodle Soup 400g.
READ MORE: Deborah James: Bowel cancer symptoms as campaigner dies aged 40
Kraft Heinz, who owns the brand, said its production costs were rising. However, they said they are now working with Tesco to resolve the situation as quickly as possible.
A Tesco spokesperson said: “We’re laser-focused on keeping the cost of the weekly shop in check, offering customers great value through our combination of Aldi Price Match, Low Everyday Prices and Clubcard Prices.
“With household budgets under increasing pressure, now more than ever we have a responsibility to ensure customers get the best possible value, and we will not pass on unjustifiable price increases to our customers.
“We’re sorry that this means some products aren’t available right now, but we have plenty of alternatives to choose from and we hope to have this issue resolved soon.”
A Kraft Heinz spokesperson added: “We are working closely with Tesco to resolve the situation as quickly as possible. In today’s challenging economic environment – with commodity and production costs rising – many consumers are working within tight budgets.
"We always look at how we can provide value through price, size and packs so consumers can enjoy the products they love and trust at a price point that works within their budgets, without compromising on quality. We are confident of a positive resolution with Tesco.”
Research by The Grocer trade publication, which first reported the dispute, said data showed prices had surged across the entire Heinz range over recent weeks. For example, the cost of a 4x400g pack of Heinz Cream of Tomato Soup rose from £2.50 to £3.50 in Sainsbury’s whilst a 4x200g pack of Beanz Snap Pots had risen from £2.50 to £2.99 in Morrisons.
In recent months food manufacturers have warned retailers they may need to charge more after a reported rise in costs such as for energy and commodities. And whilst the cost of living is surging for not just retailers but millions of households across the UK, people are already cutting back on how much they buy at the shops amid a 40-year high inflation, according to a survey for the Office for National Statistics.
READ NEXT:
'Balamory' Castle with nine bedrooms available for rental for £2k per night
Glasgow YO! Sushi to hand out free kids bento boxes inspired by new film
Glasgow estate agent shares easy ways to make property more attractive to buyers
B&M shoppers rush to buy summer 'must have' item to keep insects out of home
Holidaymaker shares 'genius' hack to get over 100ml when travelling at the airport
