November 2004

Only Smarties have the answer…

The Vegetarian Society has celebrated another year of innovation and excellence in the vegetarian market, with their annual award ceremony.

Wendy Turner Webster, patron of The Vegetarian Society told guests at the prestigious award ceremony:
“ These awards are an important milestone in the vegetarian year, giving us a chance to review the incredible progress made each year as organisations in every sector – from manufacture and retail to tourism and service industries – work harder and harder to satisfy the 3million vegetarians in the UK.”

Not all companies do their best for veggies though – as Tina Fox, chief executive of The Vegetarian Society pointed out, those nominated in the ‘Imperfect World’ category don’t merit such praise:

“There are some companies putting gremlins on our shopping lists – making products that at first glance are vegetarian, but then you look a little closer, do a little research and find that the sweets your toddler asks for or the beer your host offers you actually contain animal by-products. We know the deliciousness of these products doesn’t depend on the animal ingredients, and the imperfect world award is a message to manufacturers to consider the alternatives.”

Last years Imperfect World winner, Walkers Cheese and Onion Crisps, responded by reformulating their recipe so that veggies could finally tuck into a packet of the top selling crisps. This year, Smarties, a classic brand from the Nestlé portfolio took the double-edged accolade of being named the product veggies most want to eat -but can’t. The other products selected by popular vote were Guinness and Basset’s Licorice Allsorts.

Smarties are very nearly suitable for vegetarians, however Nestlé choose to use food colour E120 which is made from the crushed shells of beetles. The Vegetarian Society has pledged to help Nestlé in the search for an alternative.

So will the sweet giant will follow the precedent set by Walkers last year? At this stage, only Smarties have the answer.

Notes for editors

• For more information & pictures from The Vegetarian Society Awards, please contact Kerry Bennett, Press Officer T. 0161 925 2012, E. kerry@vegsoc.org. Out of office hours call 07973 108 165 or visit www.vegsoc.org/awards

• The 2004 Vegetarian Society Awards were sponsored by The Vegetarian Society Visa credit card in association with the Co-operative Bank. For more information about The Vegetarian Society Visa credit card in association with the Co-operative Bank, please contact The Co-operative Bank on 0800 002 006 or visit www.co-operativebank.co.uk

• Wine at the Vegetarian Society Awards was kindly supplied by Kumala

Press Officer press@vegsoc.org
For the latest Vegetarian Society press releases visit www.vegsoc.org
The Vegetarian Society
Direct line - 0161 925 2012
Fax 0161 926 9182
Registered Charity: 259358

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