Coffee shop chain Costa introduces vegan fruit crumble

From Foodbev. Published 4th January 2016                     British coffee shop chain Costa will introduce a new vegan fruit crumble to its food offering this year, making it the first chain in the UK to launch a vegan product registered with The Vegan Society’s vegan trademark. The new dairy-, gluten-, and wheat-free fruit crumble consists of a cinnamon spiced biscuit base with a fruity plum, cranberry and sultana filling, finished with a crumble topping. Launching in Costa stores nationwide this week with a retail price of £1.70, the crumble has been made in the UK by bakery Bells of Lazonby. The innovation will help the company to meet increasing demand among UK consumers for free-from choices, with the number of vegans in the country growing beyond the 300,000 mark. Costa’s head of food and beverage development in the UK, Jane Treasure, said: “We’re dedicated to offering all our customers a variety of products and I am really pleased to add a vegan option to provide more choice for those with dietary requirements. “We’re delighted that this sweet treat will be featured alongside our other Celiac Society-approved menu options including our chicken with coconut and lime dressing wrap, and our gluten-free chocolate brownie.” The Vegan Society CEO Jasmijn de Boo added: “It is fantastic that another major high street retailer has listened to its customers and put a delicious vegan option on the menu. More people than ever went vegan last year and with even more expected this year, Costa’s vegan addition shows they are being conscientious towards customers’ compassionate choices.”