The Co-op has announced a significant update to its sourcing policy, aimed at enhancing ethical standards across its supply chain. This decision aligns with the company’s commitment to discontinuing relationships with nations linked to well-documented human rights abuses and violations of international law.
Among the 17 countries identified as concerns, Israel has been included due to widespread international criticism. The Co-op has pledged to eliminate all ingredients sourced from these nations, which also feature Russia—a country the Co-op has boycotted since its invasion of Ukraine began in March 2022.
According to the Co-op, extensive feedback from members indicated that “conflict is one of their biggest concerns.” This feedback played a crucial role in prompting the recent changes to the sourcing strategy.
In a resolution passed at last month’s AGM, members requested that the Co-op board “show moral courage and leadership” by removing all Israeli products from store shelves in response to ongoing conflicts in Gaza.
The Situation in Gaza
Recent statistics indicate that at least 55,900 Palestinians have died in Gaza since October 7, 2023. Additionally, a study published in The Lancet in July 2024 has suggested that the real death toll may surpass 186,000. Leading human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have described these events as Israel’s genocide against the Palestinian people.
Furthermore, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has stated that the “entire population of Gaza is facing the risk of famine,” attributing this crisis to Israel’s blockade on humanitarian aid.
‘Values in Action’
The new sourcing policy is rooted in three key criteria related to human rights violations and the organization’s ethical standards. The Co-op aims to alleviate suffering while maintaining its integrity as a business that upholds “co-operative values and principles.”
Co-op board chair, Debbie White, emphasized the importance of this policy: “This policy, developed over the past year as part of our ‘Hate Divides Communities, Co-operation Builds Them’ campaign, is a clear demonstration of our co-operative values in action. The voices of our members have been listened to and acted upon.”
She further stated that the Co-op is determined to remove products sourced from countries where international consensus indicates a misalignment with its ethical standards: “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 this legacy. Our campaign continues to position our Co-op alongside those who advocate for and build peace.”
Countries Impacted
The full list of countries affected by this sourcing policy includes:
– Afghanistan
– Belarus
– Central African Republic
– Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea)
– Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
– Haiti
– Iran
– Israel
– Libya
– Mali
– Myanmar
– Russia
– Somalia
– South Sudan
– Sudan
– Syria
– Yemen
