Auckland vegan Aiden Weir has started an online petition on Change.org for Countdown to add a dedicated vegan aisle in its stores. Similar petitions have been launched in Australia, stressing that supermarkets should expand their offering of vegan-friendly products and at least make them easier to find, in order to meet a rapidly growing demand.
Whilst signatures were being collected, however, both supermarket giants Countdown and Foodstuffs gave the proposal a chilly reception. Countdown spokesman James Walker highlighted the chain’s ongoing commitment to provide healthy and fresh food options, but also added that there were currently no plans to set up a vegan section. At the same time, Walker announced that 65 of Countdown’s 181 stores will soon have expanded health food sections, containing gluten-free and organic products.
Foodstuffs’ response was even sharper.
“We do have a dedicated vegan section, it’s called ‘Fresh Fruit and Vegetables’ and it is available in every store. Creating one aisle just wouldn’t be practical from a store design perspective,” the company said.
