Quality Street fans may have to go without their favourite chocolate this Christmas as Nestle warns of supply issues

QUALITY Street fans may have to go without their favourite chocolate this Christmas because maker Nestle has supply chain problems. Bosses said the company was striving to ensure products reached shops in time but could make no promises. It is the latest firm to warn of shortages and delays due to the lorry driver shortage. […]

QUALITY Street fans may have to go without their favourite chocolate this Christmas because maker Nestle has supply chain problems.

Bosses said the company was striving to ensure products reached shops in time but could make no promises.

It is the latest firm to warn of shortages and delays due to the lorry driver shortage.

Boss Mark Schneider said: “Like other businesses, we are seeing labour shortages and some transportation issues.

“But it’s our UK team’s top priority to work constructively with retailers to supply them.”

Asked if he could guarantee Quality Street tins would be in shops for Chrismas, he said: “We are working hard.”

Concerned shoppers across the UK have already bought Christmas dinner foods over fears of December shortages.

Iceland said its sales of frozen turkeys were up 409 per cent.

M&S, meanwhile, said its frozen Christmas food sales were up 500 per cent.

Waitrose said searches on its website for Christmas delivery dates were up 124 per cent, and those for Christmas cake and pudding by 46 per cent.

Prices are set to rise as inflation and energy costs go up.

The Centre for Economics and ­Business Research said it could equate to a whopping £1,800 a year for families.