The Co-operative is shortlisted for the RSPCA’s People’s Choice Supermarket Award – for the store doing most for animal welfare
The People’s Choice Supermarket Award, part of the RSPCA’s Good Business Awards, is the public’s opportunity to vote for their favourite animal-friendly supermarket – the one they feel puts animal welfare first.
A panel of expert judges has selected a shortlist of three finalists, including The Co-operative, based on each retailer’s top five achievements.
The Co-operative’s top five animal welfare achievements are:
Freedom Food - The Co-operative was the first retailer to adopt the RSPCA’s Freedom Food scheme in 1994 and has constantly led in the development of new Freedom Food products, and, with in excess of 80 products, now stocks one of the largest ranges of Freedom Food products in the country. In 2008, the RSPCA presented The Co-operative with a Lifetime Achievement award for its commitment to animal welfare.
Free range eggs - The Co-operative only sells eggs that are British and that are Freedom Food free range or organic. We do not sell any eggs from caged hens. By the end of 2009, all liquid egg used as ingredients in Co-operative products will also be free range. The Co-operative was the first retailer to accurately label all egg boxes with the method of production, initially breaking the law in the labelling of intensively produced eggs. 
Higher Welfare Chicken - All Co-operative fresh and frozen own-brand chicken is British and raised to our higher welfare Elmwood standard, improving the welfare of over 20 million chickens each year. Elmwood means birds have natural ventilation, sunlit barns, 30% more space, a high cereal vegetarian diet, straw, perches and pecking objects, and 50% more darkness for rest.
Responsible Fishing - All The Co-operative’s own-brand fish is from responsible sources. The Co-operative only sources farmed fish from farms that have been inspected and audited and are able to demonstrate a responsible attitude. We are mindful of the diverse environmental, ecological and animal welfare issues associated with fishing, and The Co-operative is committed to the maintenance of an own-brand range of fishery products that enables the consumer to make welfare and responsible sourcing a factor in their purchasing decisions.
Outdoor-reared pork - All The Co-operative Truly Irresistible fresh pork, bacon and sausage ranges are produced using Freedom Food accredited, outdoor-reared Hampshire breed pork. The animals are reared in accordance with welfare standards devised and monitored by the RSPCA . These standards are based on the five welfare freedoms, ensuring the animals have a happy, healthy, active and comfortable life.
You can vote for your favourite animal-friendly supermarket by visiting www.independent.co.uk/voterspca or by texting COOP to 60022 (texts charged at standard network rate). The closing date for voting is Friday 11 September.
Other useful links:
http://www.co-operative.coop/membership/events/changetheworld/gocrueltyfree/RSPCA-Good-Business-Awards/
http://www.co-operative.coop/ethicsinaction/animal-welfare/