Missing cross makes Cheltenham man cross
SAINSBURY'S isn't flying the English flag when it comes to produce, says an angry Cheltenham shopper.
Peter Granville-Edmunds has complained to the store's head office saying the company is unfair because it labels some Welsh and Scottish produce with the national flags, but not its English goods.
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Mr Granville-Edmunds, who lives in Hewlett Road said: "I was in the branch on Tewkesbury Road, and also the one in Prior's Road.
"They had the Scottish saltire on some beef and there was also some Welsh goat's cheese with the red dragon flag on."
Mr Granville-Edmunds, 77, said he wasn't upset that produce from the two countries was labelled, but it was unfair that English produce didn't carry a St George cross – having a Union Jack label instead.
He added: "All these countries are British, and we're in Great Britain.
"I'd rather that all the products were just labelled as British and had the Union Jack, because I feel this is divisive between the countries, but if that's not going to happen, then I think it's only fair food from England should have our flag of St George."
Mr Granville-Edmunds, who works as an abstract painter, wrote to Sainsbury's customer service department with his complaint, asking why the English were being treated with contempt by the company.
He demanded Sainsbury's change its policy.
Customer service manager John Brookes replied with an apology.
He said: "We do label some Scottish products with the Saltire, but only where we feel that sourcing from Scotland is of particular importance to the product."
He added that it was the chain's policy to buy British produce, but it would be labelled with the union flag because the supply may be from several regions or may change throughout the year.
"I'm pleased to say that in response to recent feedback from our customers, we're now investigating the feasibility of applying the St George Cross to some products," he said.
"Although this isn't a change we can make immediately, we hope to finalise the details within the next few weeks."
Mr Granville-Edmunds said he would be keeping a close eye on the shelves of Sainsbury's to see if this happened.
He said: "I think they should have thought about this before now. I'll be watching like a hawk."
15 Comments
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by Margaret Hill, Redditch, Worc's
Friday, January 02 2009, 10:48PM
“I have written to Sainsbury's to complain about the extensive use of the use of the Scottish flag on products that do not (as they claim) require confirmation of sourcing- Scottish salmon, Scottish porridge oats etc are blatantly from Scotland! This is a poor response from the company and does not explain why they are choosing to ignore English, Welsh or Northern Irish products.
I would prefer that we use the Union flag on all British produce, we are, after all, from Britain! The use of separate flags turns everyone into nationalistic bigots, and I don't want to be like that!
I am, however, boycotting these products as a matter of principle until this ridiculous fiasco is resolved.
Do we have a British Prime Minister or a Scottish one or do we need to check out the source of Gordon Brown!”
by Zenobia, Brisbane
Wednesday, October 08 2008, 2:31AM
“I think it is important to identify products of England, Like others I believe that we should source locally.
But I think there is also another reason fwhy supermarkets do this. I understand Tesco refuse to even consider it as the Union Flag is more 'acceptable' to consumers especially in Wales and Scotland. Someone should tell them the the Union Flag is the logo for the BNP, And to assume that the Welsh and Scottish wouldn't buy English products is tainting them with outrageous racism that I am sure is unwarranted.”
by Terry, England
Tuesday, October 07 2008, 6:26PM
“Fantastic. If Sainsburys do this I'll definately shop there. I much prefer English products”
by Deb, Abbeymead, Gloucester
Tuesday, October 07 2008, 5:47PM
“It is wrong that the great English flag isnt on our own produce, especially after all the effort and coverage the local press and farmers markets have on promoting local produce.
surely Sainsbury's would benefit from this? The comments on this story are all a bit much really, enough of the comments and stupid suggestions. We are English so why cant we be proud of wanting our flag on OUR food? This country will soon forget what being English is all about! I was in Asda in Gloucester the other day and the warning signs on the fire exits are in Polish first before English!! Never would you find English before Welsh in the middle of Wales!”
by Dai, Glos
Tuesday, October 07 2008, 1:50PM
“Erm, hate to point out the obvious, but if the English had stopped invading and taking control of their neighbouring countries, you wouldn't have these problems now. No one complained while the English took the money from coal or North Sea oil, but now Wales and Scotland have been given a little power, everyone's gone green with envy........”
by Debbie, Ely
Tuesday, October 07 2008, 1:43PM
“Tesco and Asda are just as bad. It goes deep, this ignoring of England. Have you noticed that we now have a Scottish Parliament, Welsh and Northern Irish assemblies and yet the UK Government still totally rules England? And over 70% of the legislation passed by Gordon Brown's government does not affect his own constituents in Scotland!
Democracy? Devolution has made things bananas.
England has disappeared - and neither UK politics nor supermarket labelling are designed with people in England in mind.
It's as though England is something to be ashamed of - although Scotland and Wales, which also took part in the old British Empire, are not.
Politically correct types scapegoat and demonise England.
That's why public spending in England is lower than elsewhere in the so-called UK, why you can die in England for want of medication available on the NHS in Scotland.
Every man, woman and child in England is treated as a second class UK citizen.
England needs recognition and equality in the UK. The supermarket shelves would be a start.”
by Andy, Cambridge, England
Tuesday, October 07 2008, 1:09PM
“Absolutely right - there's far too much of this special provision for all but England. I want to buy products from England. I want to support our farmers. I want to see products clearly marked.”
by Gareth Young, Lewes
Tuesday, October 07 2008, 12:32PM
“I'd prefer to buy English produce, so it would help me if produce was clearly marked with an English flag.”
by Maria, Cheltenham
Tuesday, October 07 2008, 12:14PM
“Sureley there is something more important this person could be doing with his time, Yawn, Yawn, I had to comment because some people, dont have jobs, people are losing their homes, flood victims still in caravans, write about that !”
by Pingu, Hesters Way
Tuesday, October 07 2008, 11:21AM
“A very well constructed argument from Pete there. I feel that such comprehensive arguments and suggestions to improve consumer choice should be encouraged.
Pete, I'm sure you don't really live up to yor description of yourself.”