Fury as makers of famous Yorkshire sauce slap name of famous Worcestershire rival on its bottles

For years, the makers of Henderson's Relish have insisted it is not a Worcestershire sauce.

But the condiment — made in Sheffield since 1885 — has added the words 'Worcester' and 'Worcestershire' to some labels, prompting accusations of 'sacrilege' from fans.

A fierce rival to Lea & Perrin's Worcestershire Sauce, the debate as to which product is better remains a matter of taste.

Henderson's fans — which include Arctic Monkeys and actor Sean Bean — insist the Yorkshire brand is far superior to its better-known West Midlands rival.

On the FAQs section of the company's website, the question 'is Henderson's Relish the same as Worcester sauce' has the answer: 'No! And in some parts you'll be mobbed for making such a comparison.'

But the company appears to have ignored this stance by changing the label on bottles for the export market.

To the astonishment of Henderson's fans it has removed the words 'strong and northern' and replaced it with 'Worcestershire' so that foreigners have a better idea of what the product is.

A Henderson's Relish spokesman said: 'In four international markets we reference Worcester or Worcestershire Sauce on the label.

'This happens when importers and distributors overseas don't understand what Relish is, and so are unable to explain to their customers what the product is and how it should be used, so we have international labels.'

The company only started exporting in 2021 and currently sells to ten countries outside of Britain — France, Spain, Greece, Denmark, Ireland, the United States, Turkey, Argentina, Japan and the United Arab Emirates.

Export sales of Henderson's Relish account for less than 5 per cent of the business but are growing.

However, the decision to shelve its principles to boost sales has not gone down well with purists.

Bill Palmer posted on Facebook: 'The years spent arguing that Henderson's is nothing like Worcestershire Sauce, even an MP in the House of Commons was made to apologise for suggesting they were similar.

'Now Henderson's are making out it is in fact similar to appease the foreign market. I'm just gobsmacked, if they can't understand what STRONG AND NORTHERN is then there is no hope..... Shame on you Henderson's Relish.'

Another customer Jane Wright commented: 'Is it April fool's day? Is this fake news? Never can I lower myself to even think this is true.

'I turn the other bottles round in supermarkets, and only buy in Sheffield (I live in Hastings) I am strong, I am Northern and we cannot allow this!'

The biggest difference between the sauces is that Henderson's is suitable for vegans, whereas Worcestershire sauce is made using anchovies.

Both are used as a condiment or added to sauces and cocktails for flavour.

Only three family members know the secret Henderson's Relish recipe.