A shortage of pickled cucumbers has forced Pret a Manger to remove its popular jambon beurre sandwich from most of its 500 UK shops, highlighting deepening supply chain problems.
The French-style sandwich, which relies on a sharp cornichon to cut through the richness of ham and butter, has been a staple for office workers since Pret introduced it. The chain cited ‘supplier issues’ for the disappearance, declining to elaborate further.
Max Halley, owner of Max’s Sandwich Shop in north London, said he plans to stockpile the pickles. ‘In a rich, fatty sandwich, nothing brings fun like the acidic crunch of a cornichon,’ he said, noting that prices are likely to rise due to soaring energy costs for greenhouse growers.
The crisis comes as the Lea Valley Growers’ Association reports a 90% surge in gas prices for heating greenhouses, hitting cucumber production. While Waitrose says it remains fully stocked, retailers are monitoring the supply chain closely.
