Although vegetarians do not eat any fish or fish products, The Vegetarian Society is encouraging the nation's veggies to treat themselves and their friends to a taste of luxury this Christmas - vegetarian caviar alternative.

The Vegetarian Society, the registered charity promoting knowledge of vegetarianism in the UK, has approved CAVI*ART, the vegetarian caviar alternative, produced by Finlay's of Manchester, as suitable for vegetarians. Over the Festive period, for the first time, vegetarians will have the opportunity to try a luxury product that has the appearance, taste and smell of Beluga Caviar but is alginate-based and totally cruelty-free as well as being GM free.

At £4.99 for a 100gm jar, CAVI*ART compares well with the £200 - £300 jars of Beluga and provides even fish eaters with an affordable and delicious alternative to fish-egg caviar substitutes. CAVI*ART can be found in supermarkets, health food stores, delicatessens and wholesalers or gift packs can be purchased direct from www.findlayfoods.co.uk and sent anywhere in the world.

The Vegetarian Society created the word vegetarian from the latin 'vegetus' meaning 'lively' (which is how these early vegetarians claimed their diet made them feel) in 1847 and it has always excluded fish and fish products such as caviar.

The Vegetarian Society's trademark was established in 1969. Since then it has become the most widely recognised and trusted stamp of vegetarian approval anywhere in the world. The symbol can be found on a huge range of products, including retail food and drinks, catering supplies, household goods, cosmetics and toiletries. The strength of the symbol is based on products meeting four firm criteria. No other symbol gives consumers such reassurance and inspires the trust that comes from the Vegetarian Society approved symbol.

For further information on the symbol see Setting Standards for a general background, or contact the Society's Corporate Relations department on 0161 925 2000.

The Vegetarian Society, a registered charity, is the oldest vegetarian organisation in the world. It offers an independent voice able to promote and provide information on vegetarianism. It promotes National Vegetarian Week which takes place next year from 15 June - 1 July. The Society operates, the Cordon Vert Cookery School, a membership scheme and publishes The Vegetarian magazine quarterly. The Society is dedicated to promoting a diet that is good for animals, health and the environment.

Notes to editors:
(this is for press only - public:- please see how to contact us)

For more information please contact Su Taylor, Press Assistant, on 0161 925 2012 or Samantha Calvert, Head of Public Affairs, on 0161 925 2009.

Out of office hours please call 0973 108167.

Fish products include isinglass from the swim bladder of the sturgeon. Isinglass is used to 'fine' wine and beer. The Vegetarian Society also approves vegetarian champagne (free from non vegetarian finings) to enjoy with your 'caviar' - call the press office for details.

For further information, photography or samples of CAVI*ART please call Kevin Webb at Finlay's Foods Ltd on 0161 832 7788.