Responsible sourcing

We work hard to make sure the ingredients we use in our products are sourced as sustainably as possible, protecting people and the planet. We’ve worked with stakeholders to identify our 30 key ingredients – allowing us to focus actions on those with the greatest sourcing risks.

Fisheries & Aquaculture

We will ensure all of our seafood products are sourced in a responsible way, which allows for a sustainable marine environment.

At Co-op, protecting oceans, fish stocks and livelihoods is key to ensuring our members can enjoy seafood knowing it has been responsibly sourced.

Livestock

We will continue to work with our farming groups to reducing the environmental impacts of livestock, working to good animal welfare standards and continuous improvement.

Our farmers are passionate about the beef they produce and together we go to great lengths to ensure the highest quality.

Pigs Pig Piglet Sow Boar Pork Farm Outdoor

We're proud to support British farming and all our fresh and frozen pork is 100% British.

All our lamb farmers are accredited to a national farm assurance scheme, such as Red Tractor, which ensures good standards of animal welfare.

Milk Cows Friesians Outdoor Livestock Dairy Farm

Behind every pint of milk you buy from us is a farm that looks after its cows well and has been paid a fair price.

All our eggs are 100% British and sourced from farms that are RSPCA assured, they also carry the famous British Lion Quality Mark.

Our fresh chicken welfare standards go above and beyond the Red Tractor Assurance and we also stock RSPCA Assured Free Range Chicken.

Our 100% fresh British turkey is reared by farmers we know and trust to meet our strict welfare standards.

Forest & Peatland

We take a restorative approach to the forests where our ingredients come from.

Find out about our responsible approach to palm oil sourcing and commitment to positive change.

In 2017 we became the first UK retailer to source all the cocoa used as an ingredient on Fairtrade terms

We were the first retailer to sell Fairtrade sugar back in 2004 and converted our entire own brand range in 2008.

In 2003 all Co-op own brand coffee became Fairtrade - a first for any retailer.

Learn how we help to protect human health and the environment by promoting a responsible approach to crop protection.

Wood, Paper & Pulp

We ensure that the wood and paper used in our products comes from a responsible source. 100% of the wood and paper used in products for Co-op Food is of known origin. 95% comes from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or recycled sources.

Peat

We've been working on peat alternatives and reviewing our approach to this important resource.

Nuts

We're developing our approach on these ingredients during 2020.

We cover 100% of our soy footprint with Round Table on Responsible Soy credits, fighting deforestation, and we're working with farmers in our food chain to make sure that all soy in animal feed will be sustainably sourced by 2025.

Field & Orchard

We work with producers to drive improvements in yield, soil quality, water management, crop utilisation and biodiversity.

We’re proud to be the world’s largest Fairtrade wine retailer and it’s something we’ve been passionate about since we entered into the market.

Certified to Red Tractor for UK produce and GLOBALG.A.P for those sourced from other areas.

In 2012 we switched all our bananas to Fairtrade and made a commitment to support smallholders through our sourcing plan.

In 2008 we became the first supermarket to convert all hot drinks to Fairtrade including our entire range of own brand tea.

Rice & Wheat

We're developing our approach on these ingredients during 2020.

Tomatoes

Co-op has led activity with our main tomatoes supplier to facilitate engagement with UK and European retailers, Government, local NGOs, industry associations and the ETI, focused on driving collaborative action to improve conditions for migrant workers in Italian agriculture.

In 2012 we converted all of our own brand standard bunches and single stem roses to Fairtrade.

Cruelty free

All Co-op branded cosmetics and household products, including cosmetics, toiletries and household cleaning products, are Leaping Bunny approved. To read more please click here.

Future of Food

Our Future of Food ambition looks at how we tackle sustainability challenges up to the year 2030. Everyone has a part to play because together, we can make a difference.

Sourcing and creating with care

All of our products will be created with respect for people and the planet and made with quality and sustainability at their heart. You should know where your food comes from and be able to make healthier and more sustainable choices.

Treating people fairly

People are at the heart of everything we do and those who make our food are facing uncertainty when it comes to the economy and the environment. That’s why we want a fair deal and resilient livelihood for everyone in our supply chain.

Learning and celebrating together

What people do at home and on the go has a major impact in the future of food. We’ll work with our members, customers and future generations to identify what matters most and how to drive change together and create sustainable solutions that work every day.

Latest updates

From launching Future of Food in 2018, we have made significant progress on our goals to 2030 - from how we source and create Co-op products, to how we treat people in our supply chains and work together with members and customers to make choices that are better for the planet easier.

We have so much to be proud of - so take a look at our Future of Food 2020 update for our highlights. Read our Future of Food policy and Future of Food 1 year on to find out exactly what we’re planning to do from now until 2030 to meet the challenges we all face.