British cooperative group Co-op has decided to terminate trade relations with nations identified with widespread human rights abuses and violations of international law.
Co-op members have been consistently highlighting conflict as a major concern through feedback and resolutions in recent years.
Heeding this strong message from its members, the Co-op board conducted a review on how the Co-op could contribute to peace.
This resulted in the initiation of the campaign: "Hate Divides Communities, Co-operation Builds Them."
The review further led to the formulation of a sourcing policy that reflects traditional co-operative values, with a focus on human rights and legal compliance to foster fair trade and support peaceful initiatives.
The retailer established three criteria for ceasing sourcing from certain countries: consensus among respected assessments such as those from the UN regarding persistent human rights abuses or international law violations, the potential for Co-op's actions to make a meaningful difference and reduce suffering, and ensuring such actions do not compromise Co-op's commercial success or its adherence to co-operative principles.
Efforts will therefore be made to exclude ingredients in Co-op branded products or sell products from 17 identified countries of concern.
The list includes specific products exclusively sourced from their origin countries, such as Russian vodka, Malian mangoes and Israeli carrots.
These items will be gradually removed from Co-op stores and products from June 2025.
Co-op Group board chair Debbie White stated: “This policy, which has been developed over the past year as a part of our Hate Divides Communities, Co-operation Builds Them campaign, is a clear demonstration of our co-operative values in action, where the voices of our members have been listened to and then acted upon.
“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.
The decision, endorsed by the Co-op Group board, aligns with the commencement of Co-ops Fortnight, to be held from 23 June to 6 July in the UK.
