The Co-op Group has defended the stocking of Fiji Water after attracting criticism on Facebook.

Shoppers used the site to blast it for “shipping drinking water from Fiji”. “Even if it’s Fairtrade certified, in recycled bottles, and comes here on a sailing ship it is still a waste,” posted one user.

Responding, The Co-op said: “We believe in offering consumer choice and in terms of food miles we believe that international trade, especially with Fairtrade-certified products, offsets this.”