A row over pricing has meant that people may not be able to buy Heinz baked beans from supermarket giant Tesco.
The argument came after the manufacturer Kraft Heinz insisted on what were described as “unjustifiable price increases”.
This means that a range of products may not be available at Tesco amid the cost of living crisis - such as beans, sauces and soups. Supermarket prices have generally been on the rise with average the UK food bill estimated to be rising by £380.
There are many causes including not being able to get enough labour, energy costs and general issues over food supply, some related to the war in Ukraine. Amid the price turmoil supermarkets are trying to find ways to keep prices down.
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According to The Grocer magazine, products affected include 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 - which were all unavailable on the retailer’s website.
A Tesco spokesman told The Grocer magazine the retailer was “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”.
He added: “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, including Branston Baked Beans and our own-brand ranges, and we hope to have this issue resolved soon.”
A Kraft Heinz spokesman suggested price had been at the heart of the issue, citing “today’s challenging economic environment – with commodity and production costs rising – many consumers are working within tight budgets”.
Their statement continued: “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.” Kraft Heinz said it was “working closely with Tesco to resolve the situation as quickly as possible” and was “confident in a positive resolution”.
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