Jempson’s is taking on the mults by selling what are probably the cheapest Mars Celebrations tubs in the UK.

The Sussex-based indie launched a ‘when it’s gone, it’s gone’ promotion this week offering customers the chance to purchase a 750g tub for just £1 if they spend £50 on groceries at its stores in Peasmarsh, Battle, Hawkhurst and Rye.

A spokesman for the retailer said it had sourced “thousands” of tubs for the promotion, which is restricted to one tub per transaction and runs until 16 November.

“Customers can return the next day and spend another £50 or more and we’ll happily supply - stock being available of course!” he added.

Mars Celebrations have fast become a key Christmas promotion for the multiples. Although the price briefly dropped to £4 in Tesco and Asda earlier this month, the average price in Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons is currently £5 [BrandView].

Two weeks ago, Morrisons also ran a five-day 2 for £7 offer on tins of Celebrations, Roses, Heroes and Quality Street. This week, Waitrose ran an offer of a 795g tub of Quality Street for £3.60 for myWaitrose card customers.