Marmite shortage in borough supermarkets down to lack of brewer’s yeast

Supermarkets across Gedling borough are facing Marmite shortages, with supplies of the the love-it-or-hate-it spread diminishing.

The shortage is due of lockdown, which caused breweries to close – resulting in the suspension of yeast production.

Unilever, the manufacturer of Marmite, said they were forced to close their breweries during the first national lockdown and this is still causing disruption today.

Now supermarkets are facing a huge shortage of the controversial spread.

The company said it hopes shelves will be fully re-stocked later this year as the re-opening of pubs and breweries looks to boost beer production.

A Unilever spokesman said: “We’ve continued to see high demand for Marmite with more people making meals at home during the lockdowns as well as reduced supply of yeast from the breweries that supply us.

“As pubs and hospitality begin to open up once more, we expect the full range of jars to be back on supermarket shelves over the coming months.”

We approached people in the borough complaining about the shortage on social media.

Arnold resident Lauren Thompson said: “I’m gutted. Nothing like Marmite on toast in the morning but I’m having to travel around the area to find a supermarket left. I’ve found one smaller shop that seems to have plenty in supply but won’t be telling your readers where that is!”

Tony Rowe from Carlton said: “My mum has realised Marmite is now premium. I offered to buy a jar off her after struggling to get my hands on any locally. She wanted almost double the retail price. There’s a black market emerging out there.”