There’s A Shortage Of Ketchup Packets At Restaurants and Fast-Food Chains

A ketchup shortage crisis in the United States has restaurants and fast-food chains struggling to keep up with the demand. According to The Wall Street Journal, the price of ketchup packets increased 13% in 2020.

Kraft Heinz makes up 70% of ketchup sales in the United States. The Wall Street Journal also noted that the sale of ketchup bottles increased 15% in the last year.

“The unmatched consumer love for our iconic Heinz brand as well as our longstanding partnership with the restaurant industry are two responsibilities we take very seriously — which was why we made strategic manufacturing investments at the start of the pandemic to keep up with the surge in demand for ketchup packets driven by the accelerated delivery and take-out trends,” Steve Cornell, Kraft Heinz President of Enhancers, Specialty and Away from Home Business Unit, told TODAY Food in an email.

Cornell says the 150-year-old ketchup brand is looking to grow with industry trends.

“At the same time, we also fast-tracked future-focused culinary and packaging innovations, as well as further manufacturing expansion plans, as we believe there is an enormous opportunity to grow our brands in the exciting foodservice industry,” he said.

Last November, the company launched a no-touch dispenser to give customers a sanitary option to dispense their condiments.