Procurement and our farmers and producers
Co-operating with our suppliers for a fairer world.
Download the 'Responsible procurement' section of the Co-operate Report 2021 (PDF, 505 KB)
Download the 'Local sourcing' section of the Co-operate Report 2021 (PDF, 296 KB)
Responsible procurement
Our Goods Not for Resale (GNFR) Responsible Sourcing Strategy sets out how our sourcing activity helps to achieve our Vision of Co-operating for a Fairer World, delivering value in line with Co-op values through focusing on:
- Ethical trade and human rights
- Supplier diversity
- Environmental sustainability
- Shared value
- Youth employment
Our GNFR and Food Buying teams won an MSDUK award for ‘Supplier Diversity Excellence: Best Emerging Supplier Diversity Programme’ for the focus and changes being planned and landed as we work co-operatively across our supply chains
Supporting our farmers and producers
Our longstanding commitment to British sourcing helps us to build strong relationships with producers, using our established farming groups and farming pioneers programme to address shared challenges such as climate change and sustainable sourcing, alongside maintaining exceptional animal welfare standards.
Read more about our work with farmers and producers.
100% of Co-op branded fresh meat has been British since May 2017
100% of Co-op branded eggs, milk, fresh cream, cheddar cheese and block butter are British
One of the first retailers to launch 100% British grow-your-own cherry tomatoes, beef tomatoes and strawberries selling in pots
Local sourcing
Our members and customers tell us that access to local products and supporting small producers is important to them and, as a community retailer, promoting locally sourced products and showcasing small producers within our stores is a key focus.
In 2021, we launched The Apiary, our Co-op Incubator scheme based on a programme of support designed to help small suppliers upskill and get their products ‘retail ready’.