Asda statement after it comes under fire for selling 'Russian' vodka in store

Asda have issued a statement after vodka labelled as being made in Russia was seen for sale in one of their stores. The supermarket giant has recently come under fire after a 'dissatisfied' customer noticed J.J Whitely vodka being sold at a local store in Ashton-under-Lyne.

The spirits, made by UK based manufacturer Halewood Artisanal, are labelled as being 'distilled and bottled' in Russia, despite Asda's pledge to remove all Russian products from their stores in support of the people of Ukraine. But in response, Asda have said Halewood Artisanal have moved production from their former Russian distillery to one in Chorley, meaning they are able to sell the vodka again.

Halewood Artisanal say the product found at the store in Tameside was likely an old stock that was shipped from Russia before the war broke out.

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The companies issued their statements after a 'dissatisfied' customer told the MEN that they were 'disappointed' to see the large displays offering Russian vodka at their local store so soon after Asda had made the pledge to stop selling Russian products.

They said: "When the war broke out in the Ukraine they removed all the Russian products and alcohol, but I was disappointed to see large colourful displays offering Russian vodkas. It looks like the profits are coming before people and the policy they started has been changed."

A spokesperson for Asda said: "We don’t stock any Russian Vodka, this brand was removed but they have since re-located their production to the UK meaning we could re-stock."

A spokesperson for Halewood Artisanal said: "Following the invasion of Ukraine we acted quickly to move