Tesco is facing online criticism after removing the Scottish flag from packs of berries reportedly in response to complaints from English shoppers.
One Twitter user asked Tesco whether removing the saltire (Scottish flag) was “casual racism”.The Scottish flag has been replaced with the Union Jack on boxes of strawberries and raspberries grown in Scotland.
Tesco’s official Twitter account responded by saying the flag had been removed during a corporate redesign of packaging, following complaints from English shoppers.
“English customers criticised us why we do not apply the English flag on English berries and why we do for Scottish berries,” a tweet from Tesco’s official account said.
But a Tesco spokesperson told FPJ that the reasons cited on twitter were 'incorrect' and the retailer is 'not aware of any customer complaints'. 'To provide consistency for customers, we mark all of our homegrown fresh berries with a Union flag. The country of origin is also clearly displayed on pack,' the spokesperson said, adding that the Twitter exchange had been a case of 'crossed wires'.
As of 3pm on Tuesday (23 August), the furore was ranked number two in Twitter's 'moments', meaning it is likely to get much wider publicity. Behind only the arrival home of Team GB, the flag row was listed ahead of the heatwave, Usain Bolt's love scandal, and the resignation of Ofsted's chairman.
