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AB World Foods Ends Production of Gentleman’s Relish After Nearly 200 Years

The decision highlights how niche heritage foods struggle when supermarket space favors big sellers.

Overview

  • AB World Foods confirmed it halted Gentleman's Relish production earlier this year after dwindling retailer distribution and an unsuccessful search for a buyer.
  • The spread, known as Patum Peperium, is a Victorian anchovy-and-butter paste created in 1828 and used sparingly on toast and in dishes like Scotch woodcock.
  • In its later years the product was made in Poland to the original recipe, and reports note about 750,000 tubs sold in 2000.
  • Some chefs plan in-house versions, with restaurateur Jeremy King saying his team will keep serving a house patum peperium based on a classic recipe.
  • Former diplomat Ameer Kotecha has asked AB World Foods to consider licensing or small-batch production, or to release the recipe if no rescue is possible.