The UK and Europe is facing a shortage of carbon dioxide,​​ which is used to add bubbles in beer and soft drinks and dispensing systems; as well as a variety of food uses such as extending shelf life with modified atmosphere packaging (MAP).

A shortage of carbon dioxide has been created as a number of European plants have shut down for maintenance or technical issues, with only one UK producer understood to be in action.

Coca-Cola says production had been affected by the shortage but orders are still being fulfilled.

“We are currently responding to an industry-wide issue that is impacting the supply of CO 2 ​ in the UK,” ​says a statement from the company. “Our focus is on limiting the effect this may have on the availability of our products. ​

“During this time we temporarily paused some of our production lines for short periods, however there has been no disruption to supply to date and we are continuing to fulfil orders to our customers. ​

“We are working closely with our suppliers, partners and customers on a number of solutions as the situation develops.”​