Mars Inc has confirmed “production delays” will lead to a shortage of its Malteaster bunny product in the UK this year.

According to reports, a slowdown in production over Christmas at one of its co-pack suppliers has led to a shortage, but Mars did not confirm the reason behind the production delays.

In an email to just-food, a spokesperson said: “Unfortunately, we have experienced some recent production delays which have meant that we haven’t been able to meet all of the demand for Malteaster, but we are working hard to get back in to full supply quickly and working with our trade partners to meet their needs and the consumer demand.”

This is the seventh year Easter speciality product has been on sale in the UK.