Vodka is going vegan

Supermarket giant Asda has become the first big grocer to improve vegan labelling – and put the Vegan trademark on vodka.

Asda, which has a branch in Linwood, has paved the way as the first UK supermarket to approach The Vegan Society with the intention to improve the labelling of its vegan products – including vodka.

The giant has started putting the Vegan trademark on 16 different items, some of which have already reached the supermarket shelves and more products will be released in the next few months.

Asda joins other highprofile companies such as Alpro, Lush, Original Source and Ikea in taking the trademark.

George Gill, chief executive of The Vegan Society, said: “We are very pleased that yet another major retailer has listened to its customers and decided to make the shopping experience easier for vegans and those shopping on their behalf.

“Asda’s move reflects the nation’s changing eating habits towards healthier and more compassionate choices, setting a great example for other supermarkets, which has been reflected in the positive comments on social media in reaction to this news.”

Asda already had a wide range of own-brand free-from snacks that are suitable for vegans, as well as refrigerated and frozen goods, including a hidden gem in the form of a vegan- friendly lemon cheesecake.

Lizzy Massey, vice president of Asda Own Brand, said: “Our customers are at the heart of everything we do and we know that they have different needs and demands from our products. That is why we have listened to feedback from our customers and are proud to put vegan labelling on our own brand products.”