MALVERN Water, one of the town's most famous products, has been denounced in a new guide to "ethical" shopping.

The Good Shopping Guide, based on research by the Ethical Consumer Research Association, aims to tell consumers which brands are the most ethical.

In its bottled water section, Malvern Water was placed in the least desirable of three categories.

But Ruth Rosselson of ECRA admitted the rating was not a reflection of the quality of Malvern Water.

She said: "Malvern Water is owned by the Coca Cola company, and that scores poorly in several ethical categories. It is not meant to say that Malvern Water itself is bad."

Coca Cola is in the bottom category for environment, animal testing, oppressive regimes, workers' rights and boycott calls.

Alongside Coca Cola is Nestl SA, which owns the Vittel and Perrier brands.

Martin Norris, communications director for Coca-Cola Great Britain said: "As far as Malvern Water is concerned, it is a brand of which we are extremely proud, and that applies to our relationship to the local community as well.

"We are proud of its heritage and have put considerable investment behind the brand in terms of updating its graphics and package design. We think it has a very bright future within the water segment."