Multiple reports indicate that Gentleman's Relish has been discontinued, with AB World Foods, which manufactured the product for the past two decades, ceasing production earlier this year. According to an official statement from AB World Foods, the company said that while this Victorian relish has a niche and loyal following, it sadly does not have wider commercial appeal and, despite their best efforts, retailer distribution has dwindled. With Gentleman's Relish no longer commercially viable and unable to secure a buyer for the brand, they regrettably stopped production earlier this year. The exact date when production halted has not been confirmed, nor have details emerged about any ongoing negotiations with potential buyers for the brand.
Gentleman's Relish was first invented in 1828 by John Osborn, according to major media sources. Major media reports also state that it is made from anchovies, butter, herbs, and spices. Aftonbladet reports that it was marketed starting in 1849, though the specific reasons for this timing are not detailed. This historical background underscores its long-standing presence in British culinary traditions, predating many modern food items.
The cultural significance of Gentleman's Relish is highlighted by its association with notable figures; major media sources confirm that James Bond author Ian Fleming was a fan and ordered it at restaurants. In response to the discontinuation, fan reactions have been vocal on social media. Aftonbladet reports that a petition has been started to reverse the discontinuation, though the current status and number of signatures gathered remain unknown. Additionally, Aftonbladet notes that supermarket shelves have been mostly emptied of Gentleman's Relish by enthusiasts, and online listings charge high prices for remaining pots, reflecting scarcity and high demand among collectors.
This discontinuation parallels another recent loss in British food heritage: Bath Oliver biscuits were discontinued in 2020 after 250 years, according to Aftonbladet. Aftonbladet also reports that Bath Oliver biscuits were first created in the 18th century by Dr William Oliver. The annual sales figures for Gentleman's Relish before discontinuation have not been disclosed, and the exact reasons for the dwindling retailer distribution beyond commercial viability are unspecified.