Love it or hate it? Carlsberg's Northampton brewery is working hard to address the Marmite shortage

Carlsberg has been helping to address the apparent Marmite shortage by producing even more at its Northampton brewery.

Unilever, which makes the famous spread, blamed a shortage of key ingredient brewer's yeast and a surge in demand during the coronavirus lockdown for a lack of bigger jars.

But the Bridge Street factory is doing its best to help Marmite lovers as this year alone, 87 per cent of its yeast from has been supplied to Unilever.

A Carlsberg UK spokesman said: "The food spread isn’t the only item that has been in short supply during lockdown, as Brits stashed other cupboard staples including flour and pasta.

"However, as a firm favourite in many British households, Carlsberg is working hard to bring Marmite back to the homes (and hearts) of the nation."

Carlsberg's contributions have increased as the demand for Marmite surged during the coronavirus lockdown from 46 per cent in March, 79 per cent in April and 112 per cent in May.

A Unilever spokesperson said: “We can confirm that Carlsberg, along with other breweries, has been supplying yeast to help us get back Marmite back to normal supply levels again which will be very soon.”

The increase in brewing also comes as Brits eagerly await the announcement that pubs will be re-opening for the summer.

"For many this will be a welcome treat after months in lockdown and so Carlsberg is looking to the future to ensure that when it is safe to reopen, beer drinkers will be able to enjoy a beer in a pub garden again," the Carlsberg spokesman said.

"In the meantime, the brewers at Carlsberg will continue to brew beer, in the hopes that Brits can soon safely raise a glass (and a Marmite jar) in the near future."