Gentleman's Relish could yet be rescued from extinction after manufacturers confirmed talks were underway to save the cult culinary classic.
AB World Foods, which has made the paste over the last 20 years, confirmed on Thursday that conversations with "several third parties" were ongoing to safeguard the product moving forward.
The company announced last week that Patum Peperium, as the spread is formally known, would cease production after just short two centuries thanks to a lack of demand.
But after that, fans of the traditional British condiment launched a passionate campaign to save it.
A spokesman for AB World Foods has now said: "We have been blown away by the response from Gentleman's Relish fans since we confirmed our decision to stop production.
"We are grateful to everyone who has taken the time to get in touch.
"Given this strength of feeling, we are pleased to say that we are at the early stages of exploring options with several third parties who have expressed an interest in taking the brand forward."
The savoury paste, traditionally enjoyed on warm toast, held a cherished place in Victorian and Edwardian households.
Gentleman's Relish could be rescued from extinction after manufacturers confirmed talks were underway
| MADE FOR DRINKJohn Osborn, an English grocer based in Paris, developed the closely-guarded recipe.
The original method required Spanish anchovy fillets to be packed in salt barrels to mature - then they were rinsed, cooked and combined with butter, rusk and a secret blend of herbs and spices.
Recognition soon followed, including a "Citation Favorable" at the 1849 Paris Food Show.
The Osborn family continued manufacturing the spread until 1971.
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Fans of the classic condiment launched a passionate campaign following news of its discontinuation
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Notable admirers included James Bond creator Ian Fleming, who enjoyed Scotch woodcock - which features the relish - at the historic Scott's restaurant in Piccadilly Circus.
Nigella Lawson also said it was one of her favourite spreads, while Jessica Mitford selected it as her Desert Island Discs luxury.
Michelin-starred chefs have rallied behind efforts to preserve it.
Tom Brown, whose London restaurant received a Michelin star in February, told The Telegraph: "It is such a shame, it is a really versatile British product, like Worcestershire sauce or English mustard.
Nigella Lawson is a known admirer of Gentleman's Relish
| GETTY"If they aren't going to make it any more, they should release the recipe."
Glynn Purnell, who holds Michelin stars for Jessica's and Purnell's restaurants, told the newspaper: "I have a jar of it in my fridge at home.
"It is such an old ingredient. Nothing comes close, it is really devastating. If it was made in a little Italian village, it would still be going."
Descendants of the inventor have also voiced their concerns.
Georgina and Giles Hamilton-Fletcher, Mr Osborn's great-great-great-grandchildren, revealed the family no longer holds the recipe and urged AB World Foods to reveal the secret ingredients to the world.
Ms Hamilton-Fletcher said: "I love it and I went online to see if I could buy a pot when I heard the news, but everywhere had sold out and then I saw people were selling it on places like eBay for £50 a pot."
She added: "I hope the recipe is saved, and sold or given to somebody who thinks they can make a go of it on a small scale. It would be a shame for it to die."
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