‘High level of demand’ causes shortage of Mars bars in UK stores

A number of stores over the holiday weekend had empty shelves in the Mars section, with ‘out of stock’ messages on many websites.

Mars Wrigley has been producing the bars in the UK at the company’s factory in Slough since 1932, with a current capacity to make almost three million bars a day, according to the company.

A spokesperson for Mars Wrigley told the media: “We are experiencing high levels of demand on a number of our treats​.”

Stores in the London and south-east area of England appeared to be affected the most and it was not immediately clear whether the lack of stock at some outlets was connected to the production of the bars or supply chain or retailer-specific issues.

The Guardian reported that on Asda’s website, a number of Mars bar products were out of stock, including four-packs, snack-size multipacks and low-calorie snack bar multipacks. However, it, too, had standard single bars in stock.

The Mars spokesperson said: “We are producing significant quantities and want to reassure the British public that our much-loved brands are still available nationwide​.”

As reported first in ConfectioneryNews​, US chocolate manufacturer Hershey warned of shortages over Halloween, saying the company “will not be able to fully meet consumer demand​” – but has since clarified its statement claiming there will be minimal disruption to supplies.

KitKat maker Nestlé announced a 6.5% rise in prices earlier this year due to “significant and unprecedented cost inflation​”, but has so far not experienced supply-chain issues in the UK.

The UK, like the rest of Europe, is facing food shortages and rising costs due to high inflation, a rise in wholesale prices, weather conditions, and international import issues – caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.