Consumer Power

The makers of Mars bars have done a swift U-turn over plans to use animal products in their chocolate, to avoid a public backlash.

It appears the parent company Masterfoods did not reckon on the UK's vegetarians and their supporters being quite such a force.

But as a growing tide of consumers are prepared to use their shopping basket to make a point, companies are increasingly having to watch their step.

A shift in consumerism seems to have taken place as shoppers become increasingly health-conscious and environmentally aware.