10The System Swallows the Quality – the end of Cauldron Organic Tofu

There was a time when being vegan was a healthy option. The variety was never the big plus of it, but in contrast the quality of the products (most of them organic) made us think that we were following the most natural, ethical, social and environmental diet of all.

Well, be prepared for the future. For fight. 'The System' is getting closer and closer. Now that slowly more and more people have started to consume vegan products, mostly the alternatives to animal protein such as Tofu, the laws of the market will find their way in. Along with the trend of being vegan (which is something positive whatever the fundamental reasons might be) will rise the “mass exploitation†of consumers, and inevitably also the most simple and destructive of the economic laws: the greed for easy profit. Moreover, once with more money, the companies’ drive to “divert†consumers from the quality of their product to other obscure places will be their only strategy. Finally, one should not forget the arrogance that results in all of this.

That is what happened with Cauldron Foods. Until very recently one would be able to buy their 250g of ORGANIC tofu, made in the UK (so it said on the package). Not any more. Very pompously, one must say, they have launched a new range of products, replacing the old version for a new 396g, NON ORGANIC, cheaper in comparison to the previous, and packaged in the US (!!). Very symptomatic. It says it all: mass production at the very lowest cost possible to reach the higher profit, hence, more pesticides and other chemicals in our Tofu. But, hey! Nice package and nice website (part of their strategy to blind consumers with fancy pictures!). Overall, nothing to cheer about. A shame.

This was only to be expected. They monopolise the bigger supermarkets. They are the only tofu brand available (at least in the main supermarket stores in city centres).

They have the right to promote profit instead of quality and ethics, it is just a sign of the times, and so we have the right to step out.

My alternative is to go back to those little stores with natural products, normally more expensive, but definitely worthwhile. After all, I started with them.

Actually, this disappointment had a bright side. It made me look up alternatives, and I have found a cheaper option, still organic, that looks very reliable: www.clearspottofu.co.uk/

Thank you Cauldron for being so greedy, for not answering my emails or publishing my comment on your website (as a matter of fact any comments at all!!). Check it out: cauldronfoods.co.uk/whats-new/id/?p=FCA9484B-C293-12E2-3C48-363051C718C8)

Here is the response from Cauldron Foods - insipid and uncaring, just simply not listening. Profit before people.

Email from : Customer Services[SMTP:Protected email address]

Thank you for your recent query regarding the 'new' Cauldron original tofu not being Organic.

Cauldron products have never been an exclusively organic brand and has never made organic a central part of its brand promise. In research we found that very few said they go out of their way to buy organic products only. When we probed deeper it became clear that organic was not significant motivator for many of our consumers. They were far more interested in the use of natural ingredients, health and, of course, taste. By moving away from Organic we have been able to invest more in recipe development, quality and provide better value for money.

The previous recipe tofu is not being manufactured anymore and will be replaced by the larger pack original tofu.

Thank you once again for getting in touch. Please do not hesitate to contact us again if you require any further information or advice.

Yours sincerely

Mark Lumsden Consumer Care Advisor

[Editor’s note – Cauldron clearly have no interest in listening or responding. Organic is 'more natural' and many people believe more 'healthy'. The issue is that Cauldron can source tofu more cheaply and packed from the USA - this adds food miles as well. Investing in 'recipe development, quality and better value for money' does not address 'natural, health or taste' ie what the customer asked for. Shame on Cauldron for putting profit before their customers. DON'T BUY CAULDRON PRODUCTS!]

Author: Bruno

%

Comments

Add your comment

Audit

Story posted by on 2010-05-03 17:10:37.

Story last updated by on 2010-05-09 20:51:49.

Featured Articles

20 Beer - is it Vegan?

10The System Swallows the Quality – the end of Cauldron Organic Tofu

And here's the Evidence!

The Great Oxford Vegan Eatery Project

Looking for vegan accommodation in Oxford?

Apartheid, Racist Israel - First Hand Evidence