Mayonnaise out-sells ketchup in the UK for the first time ever

The creamy dressing is officially the king of all condiments 

Sarah Jones
Monday 11 September 2017 10:32 BST
Comments
(Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Your support helps us to tell the story

This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.

The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.

Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.

From fish and chips to the traditional roast dinner, us Brits love to elevate the simplest of dishes with the help of a good sauce. But when it comes to which one we like the most, change is afoot.

For the first time ever, mayonnaise has toppled ketchup to become Britain’s favourite condiment, The Sun reports.

The news comes as the amount consumers are spending on mayonnaise has gradually risen while the amount of tomato sauce bought has fallen.

In the latest 12 month period, industry data shows that ketchup sales fell 2.7 per cent to £145.5 million in the UK while volumes fell by 4.2 per cent.

Simultaneously, sales of mayonnaise rose by 6.9 per cent to £152.2 million and 7.3 per cent by volume.

Experts say that the shift is a sign that Briton’s tastes are moving away from old-fashioned condiments towards healthier foods and new flavours.

Ketchup sales have been marred as consumers turn to more exotic alternatives such as peri peri and chilli chutneys.

But, thanks to an increase in new variations and low-fat substitutes, mayonnaise has continued to flourish.

Marketing expert Laurie Booker, of brand design agency Cowan, added that the shift could also be down to the fact that mayonnaise producers are promoting its natural ingredients such as free-range eggs and removing artificial colours and preservatives.

“There have been some interesting innovations within mayo while ketchup has remained largely the same,” she said.

“A wider flavour choice means mayo has become more appealing and intriguing.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in