The Co-op Group has announced major changes to its sourcing policy. Starting in June 2025, the company will stop selling some products and ingredients from countries where international organizations have identified serious and repeated human rights abuses or violations of international law. This new policy follows a full review by the Co-op Board and comes as part of its campaign called “Hate Divides Communities, Co-operation Builds Them.”
It was done as a result of the input of the Co-op members. During the recent years members have declared that they desire Co-op to pursue a more vigorous role in favor of peace and equity. They expressed these issues by surveys, motions and discussions. To this, the Co-op Board embarked on a profound analysis to answer how it could delve into facilitating peace by employing ethical sourcing in the company.
New Policy Will Target Products from 17 Countries
According to the policy, the Co-op will not ensure that they use ingredients in their branded products or even sell complete products of 17 countries of concern. Such countries are Afghanistan, Belarus, Israel, Iran, Libya, Mali, Myanmar and North Korea, Russia, Sudan, Syria among others. Both, as well as all the others, were named by respectable international evaluations of serious human rights issues.
The decision is based on three key criteria:
There must be global agreement — from groups such as the UN — that there are ongoing, widespread violations of human rights or international law.
Co-op’s actions must help people either directly or indirectly and reduce suffering.
These actions must not harm the Co-op’s role as a successful, values-driven business.
Examples of products that will be affected include Russian vodka, carrots from Israel, and mangoes from Mali. These products will be phased out slowly, starting in June 2025. The process will follow contract timelines and respect seasonal crop cycles. Affected suppliers have already been informed, and the company will manage the transition under UK retail rules.
Part of a Wider Ethical Sourcing Commitment
The Co-op says this change fits with its long-standing record of ethical sourcing. The company will continue to support Fairtrade and other global standards while also avoiding products from countries where serious violations are confirmed.
This sourcing policy is a new part of Co-op’s mission to align its supply chain with its values. The goal is to support peace, human rights, and global fairness while continuing to operate as a strong, member-owned business.
Co-op sourcing policy changes will continue through 2025, as contracts are updated and products are replaced in a planned, careful way.
