A shortage of delivery drivers is making it difficult for Haribo to deliver its sweets.

The German gummy treats manufacturer said it was faced with ‘several challenges’ – including a lack of delivery drivers.

Haribo told trade customers it was having to cancel upcoming promotions on ‘share size’ bags – including packs marked-up with a £1 price tag, according to The Grocer trade newspaper.

In a note to customers, seen by The Grocer, the company said it was experiencing an ‘unprecedented and sustained surge in demand’ but was working ‘flat out’ to manage the situation.

A spokesman for Haribo said: “As is the case with many manufacturers and retailers throughout the country, we are experiencing challenges with regards to the nationwide driver shortage.

“We are working with partners across the food and drink industry to address and respond to this problem.”

Last month, haulage industry leaders warned that the country faced a summer of food shortages. They said 100,000 lorry drivers had been lost to Brexit or Covid.

Richard Burnett, chief executive of the Road Haulage Association, said: “There is an enormous shortage of HGV drivers that we estimate at between 85,000 and 100,000.”

He told the Guardian: “We are weeks away from gaps on the shelves, it is as serious as that.”