The UK is facing a shortage of Haribo sweets, the German confectionary giant has said.
The company said it is struggling to get stocks to stores across the UK because of a shortage of lorry drivers, adding that it was working to resolve the problem.
Haribo said in a statement: "As is the case with many manufacturers and retailers throughout the country, we are experiencing challenges with regards to the nationwide driver shortage.
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"We are working with partners across the food and drink industry to address and respond to this problem."
According to the BBC, the issue affects all Haribo sweets, including Tangfastics and Goldbears.
The Road Haulage Association (RHA) believes there is currently a shortfall of around 60,000 drivers.
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This, it says, is due to around 30,000 heavy goods vehicles (HGV) driving tests being unable to take place last year because of the pandemic.
The organisation explained how typically 72,000 candidates train to become HGV drivers, with 40,000 passing. However, only 15,000 were able to complete their training last year.
The RHA also believes that Brexit is playing a part in the shortage, as many drivers are unsure of their rights to work in the UK.
The organisation has written to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, warning that many drivers have also returned to their country of origin during extended periods of lockdown and travel restrictions.
A government spokesperson told the BBC: "We're working with industry and have already taken action on HGV driver shortages, including ramping up vocational test capacity, and funding apprenticeships.
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"However, most of the solutions are likely to be driven by industry, with progress already being made in testing and hiring, and a big push towards improving pay, working conditions and diversity."
Many retailers have previously spoken out about the impact such issues are having on business, including the likes of Tesco and Currys PC World.
Andrew Opie, director of food and sustainability at the British Retail Consortium, recently said: "Retailers are aware of a fall in HGV driver numbers, resulting in minor disruption to some supply chains.
"Supermarkets are working closely with their suppliers to ensure that consumers still have access to the same great selection of goods.
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"Government must rapidly increase the number of HGV driving tests taking place while also looking for a longer-term solution to this issue."
Featured Image Credit: PA
Topics: Food, UK News, News, Sweets