What’s next for plastic waste reduction

British sourcing, ethics and sustainability

Empowering member owners to choose local food and make sustainable choices and changes, both at home and in their community.

Together we're rooting for British farmers

Through choosing to buy British produce in their local store, our members support our UK growers. This year members raised a motion to our Annual General Meeting calling for us to do more to support members accessing great British products.

Our support includes extending the British seasons for home-grown fruit and vegetables through projects in variety development, technology and innovation and our commitment to sourcing all our UK grown fruit and veg from LEAF marque certified farms by 2027. We're also strengthening our dedication to farming practices that protect soil health, biodiversity and water resources.

Watch our short video from one of our producers to find out more about how we're championing British through our produce and supporting the growers who make it possible.

Berry fun facts about British strawberries

For the fourth year running, Co-op was the first retailer to stock seasonal British strawberries. The move is part of our commitment to support British seasonal produce and work with growers to extend the season, helping to build longer-term resilience and food security.

What’s more, as of June 2026, all Co-op British Strawberries are LEAF marque certified. LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) is a recognised standard for sustainable farming, focusing on farm management practices that promote soil health, biodiversity, and the protection of water resources. In December 2025, we made a commitment across our fresh produce supply chain that by January 2027, all our UK-grown whole fresh produce will be LEAF marque certified.

Strawberries and cream.

Did you know?

  • British strawberry season runs from April-September
  • British strawberries can thank the UK’s mix of long daylight hours and cooler nights for their tastiness, as the combination helps sugars develop over time
  • A single plant produces up to 50 strawberries each season
  • Store your strawberries in the fridge to keep them fresh for longer

5 top tips to help you prevent food waste

1. Track and change

Spend a week jotting down the food you throw away, why you wasted it and how much it costs. Knowing what you waste and why, helps you make small changes and save money.

2. Plan to prevent

Check your fridge and cupboards before you go food shopping, plan your meals for the week and make a shopping list so you only buy what you need. See our handy meal planner or Hubbub’s tips for meal prepping like a pro.

3. Store for success

Keep your fridge at 5 degrees or below and read our food storage tips. Remember the freezer is your friend! Check out Hubbub’s guide to freezable ingredients – it might surprise you.

4. Value your food

Producing food takes a lot of labour, land, water, and energy. If you eat and enjoy your food instead of wasting it, you’re helping the planet and saving money. Our recipes can help you make the most of any ingredient.

5. Sharing is caring

If you do have excess food, contact your local Community Fridge or Your Local Pantry to see if they can use it. Through our Partnerships with Hubbub and Your Local Pantry, we’ve doubled the network of Community Fridges and Local Pantries across the UK.

4 easy changes you can do at home to save on water consumption

a person's hand under running water

You can learn more about Co-op’s action on water security on our website.

If you need a handy resource for events or activities you’re running or just want a version to pin to your fridge, download our leaflet.

In the kitchen:

  • Fix leaks. A dripping tap can waste over 5,000 litres a year.

  • Use a bowl to wash vegetables instead of running water (and then reuse that greywater for watering plants).

  • Run dishwashers only when full and avoid pre-rinsing dishes – scrape them instead.

In the bathroom:

  • Take shorter showers – aim for 4 minutes.

  • Install water-saving devices like low-flow showerheads and dual-flush toilets.

In the garden:

  • Water early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation.

  • Use a watering can instead of a hose.

  • Collect rainwater in a water butt for plants.

In the laundry:

  • Wash full loads only.

  • Use eco settings on your washing machine.