Co-op Group acts on member concerns with new ethical sourcing policy rooted in human rights

Co-op Group has today (24 June) announced that it will stop sourcing products and ingredients from countries identified by the international community as responsible for widespread human rights abuses and violations of international law.

This decision, approved by Group's Board, responds directly to member concern over conflict - and a desire for the UK's biggest co-operative to advocate for and build peace. The move comes as the awareness campaign Co-op Fortnight (23 June to 6 July) - a celebration of #CoopHeroes in 2025 - begins across the UK.

Debbie White, Chair of the Co-op Group Board, said: "We are committed, where we can, to removing products and ingredients from our shelves which are sourced from those countries where the international consensus demonstrates there is not alignment with what happens in those countries and our co-operative values and principles.”

Seventeen countries of concern have been identified, and Co-op-branded products and ingredients clearly and solely sourced from those nations will be removed on a phased basis from June 2025. Examples include Russian vodka, mangoes from Mali, and carrots from Israel.

The policy, part of the Co-op’s broader 'Hate Divides Communities, Co-operation Builds Them' campaign, was launched following a review of how Group could play a more active role in advocating for peace.

Debbie White said: “As a business, we have a long-standing legacy of doing the right thing, supporting Fairtrade and championing ethical sourcing. This policy is a natural progression of that commitment. Our campaign has once again positioned our Co-op with those who advocate for and build peace.”