Our approach to procurement
Responsible procurement
We focus on generating and protecting value for our member-owners throughout our procurement practices.
Goods not for resale partners
Our Goods Not for Resale (GNFR) suppliers provide the products and services that support every part of our Co-op – technology, logistics, marketing, HR, professional services, property and renewable energy.
Partner with us
Register your interest as a supplier
We're always keen to hear from organisations who share our values and commitment to sustainability. If you'd like to become part of our supplier network, please register your interest.
Business services and solutions
Co-op also partners with organisations to help them buy energy, source greener CO₂ supply and enhance their procurement function.
How we work with suppliers
Procurement at Co-op is more than buying goods and services. It’s about building strong partnerships, driving sustainability and creating real value for Co-op and our member owners.
Through our supplier management team, we build relationships across logistics, technology, HR and people services, marketing and property – including Co-op Power
Here's Marina Hudson from our team, explaining more on how we build strong supplier relationships. If you're interested in joining us, visit our careers page.
Creating a sustainable future
We support our net-zero carbon targets through supplier engagement and responsible sourcing.
By embedding sustainability into every stage of our procurement process, we work in partnership with suppliers to reduce emissions, drive innovation, and deliver long-term value.
In 2025, we achieved a gold EcoVadis accreditation, placing us in the top 5% of companies assessed globally. We encourage our suppliers to undertake EcoVadis assessments too – helping us to strengthen responsible practices across our supply chain.
Ethical trade and human rights
We work closely with suppliers to uphold the highest standards of integrity and transparency.
- High-risk suppliers join our ethical trade programme, monitored through third parties like EcoVadis and Sedex.
- We launched a Modern Slavery e-learning module in 2025 with a 97% completion rate.
- We deliver regular spotlight sessions with partners such as Stronger Together and Unseen.
- We’ve strengthened ethical standards in our supplier guides and proposals to address geographic risks and ensure accountability.
Find out more in our modern slavery report.
Inclusive partnerships
Our suppliers help us create meaningful change by working alongside us to advance diversity, inclusion and social value.
Through our Endless Inclusion community, we collaborate to deliver positive outcomes for our member owners and local communities. In particular, we're working together with our partners to:
- close the gender pay gap
- cater to diverse customer needs
- co-operate to provide equal access to opportunities.
In 2025, we made progress against these priorities, explained in our Social Value and Sustainability report
Find out more
Reporting on our progress
Our social value report
Every year, we share an open and honest account of the actions we have taken on the issues that matter to members, including in how we work with suppliers.
Interested in becoming a supplier?
Engaging with our suppliers is essential to how we deliver responsible procurement and create long-term partnerships. Bringing our suppliers together helps us share best practice, drive innovation and work collectively on the issues that matter most to our members and communities.
Each year, our GNFR supplier conference brings partners together to explore key topics and strengthen relationships. We also celebrate outstanding contributions through the Co op Difference Awards, recognising suppliers who go above and beyond to make a positive impact.