Pet food brands including Whiskas, Iams and Pedigree have started disappearing from Tesco's shelves amid a price dispute with Mars.
Mars Petcare – which is separate from the US company's chocolate and confectionary arm – has paused supplies to the supermarket chain. Tesco said it refused to pass on "unjustifiable price increases" to its customers.
Shoppers have already noticed certain products out of stock online and in-store, although availability varies across the country depending on existing stock levels and demand. Mars said it would not comment on "individual commercial relationships" and that its products for dogs, cats, fish and birds "remain widely available in the UK marketplace".
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Tesco is yet to resolve a separate price dispute with Heinz, which has pulled products including baked beans and tomato ketchup from sale. A spokesperson for Tesco said: “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.”
In a statement, Mars said: "We are aware that some of our Petcare products are currently out of stock at Tesco stores. We want to reassure pet owners that their favourite products are in supply and remain widely available in the UK marketplace.
"There are many reasons why our products may be out of stock in certain stores from time to time. We cannot comment on individual commercial relationships or situations.”
Which pet food items are disappearing from Tesco?
Tesco sells 10 Mars pet food brands in the UK, in addition to several hygiene and health products for animals. The following foods for dogs, cats, fish and birds may be in short supply in your local supermarket amid the dispute.
- Aquarian
- Cesar
- Crave
- Dreamies
- Iams
- Pedigree
- Perfect Fit
- Sheba
- Trill
- Whiskas
Availability depends on existing stock levels and demand at your local store. Find out where your nearest Tesco is using the store locator tool.
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