Diabetic foods fuel debate

The diabetic debate has swung into overdrive following the Co-op Group's decision last month to stop selling foods aimed at people with diabetes.

Diabetic food producer Stute Foods of Bristol said the move stopped consumers from having choice. The Co-op argued that diabetic products were often very expensive, but Stute claimed that its diabetic jam was cheaper than other preserves. “We're not trying to con anyone,” said the firm. “It's not a medicine - it's a jam!”

While the Co-op said that feedback following its decision, which was backed by Diabetes UK, had been positive, Stute claimed to have been inundated with product requests from angry diabetics. “Since the Co-op announced this news, we've had hundreds of phone calls,” said Stute. “Some people will stop their subscription to Diabetes UK.”

Stute claimed that the Co-op's decision, which was announced during Diabetes Awareness Week, was a marketing stunt. “The Co-op and Diabetes UK are ganging up together,” he claimed. “Why did they have to announce it during Diabetes week? It's for publicity.”

However, the Co-op may not receive the type of publicity it was looking for. Boots dropped its diabetic range in 2002, but soon ran into problems. “We were ahead of the game on this, but we had so many complaints, we had to reinstate the range,” said Boots.

The Food Standards Agency supported Diabetes UK's view that no foods should be labelled 'diabetic' or 'suitable for diabetics'. “Like everybody, people with diabetes are encouraged to eat only small amounts of food that are high in sugar and/or high in fat,” said the agency.

“That may be so, but in real life people want to indulge and have chocolate,” said Boots. “We're stuck between what customers tell us and advice from Diabetes UK. But we're a retailer - we sell what customers want.”

Chocolatier Thorntons is in the process of reviewing its diabetic range, but is also wary of customer needs. “The current diabetic range at Thorntons is very popular, particularly the seasonal variants such as Easter Eggs,” said the firm. “Thorntons will be talking to its customers and finding out what their requirements/demands are when it comes to diabetic products and reviewing the range accordingly going forward.