Morrisons offers halal pick 'n' mix range

British supermarket Morrisons has become the country's first major grocer to trial a halal pick and mix selection.

A range of 36 different "strictly halal" gelatine-free sweets will be tested at 10 different stores across the UK, including three in London, and outlets in Blackburn, Bolton, Preston, Bradford, West Bromwich, Birmingham and Leamington Spa.

Classics such as cola bottles, jelly beans and gummy bears will all be included in the range.

Chairman of the halal sub-committee at the Lancashire Council of Mosques, Salim Mulla, is quoted by the Lancashire Telegraph as saying: "I think there are quite a few manufacturers who sell halal sweets but this is the first major supermarket to sell halal confectionary. I really welcome that.

"It is definitely something the Council of Mosques would support. Sweets are very popular with the Muslim community. I think the pick and mix will do really well."

Phil Page, store manager at Morrisons Wood Green, told the Evening Standard: "Many customers have asked us about halal sweets, so we have designed and introduced a new range.

"We believe we are the first big supermarket in the UK to do this. It's a large range - so we hope that it will provide a sweet treat for every taste."