The Co-op has announced a sweeping change to its sourcing policy by committing to phase out products from 17 countries, including Israel, Russia, Iran and North Korea, over concerns related to human rights abuses and violations of international law.
The supermarket chain said the decision stems from a member-led mandate aimed at aligning the Co-op’s sourcing practices with its long-standing ethical trading principles. The move has drawn praise from human rights campaigners but triggered criticism from senior UK politicians.
Under the new policy, the Co-op will, where possible, stop sourcing goods and ingredients from countries it describes as having “internationally recognised community-wide human rights abuses.” Products affected include Israeli carrots, Russian vodka, and mangoes from Mali. The policy will be implemented gradually, beginning this month.
“This is a natural extension of our co-operative values,” said Debbie White, chair of the Co-op board. “Our members have made it clear they want our buying practices to reflect our principles. This is about doing the right thing and standing up for human dignity.”
White added that decisions are being guided by a combination of criteria: formal findings of human rights violations, the potential for the Co-op’s action to have a meaningful impact, and maintaining the integrity of its ethical sourcing standards.
The list of 17 countries includes several whose exports are rarely found in UK supply chains. Nonetheless, the Co-op said it is committed to avoiding trade that could be seen as supporting regimes accused of systemic abuse.
The decision has reignited debate over whether retailers should play a role in global political issues. Dame Priti Patel, the shadow foreign secretary, strongly criticised the inclusion of Israel in the boycott.
“This is a totally unacceptable move from the Co-op,” she said. “They are not a government body. They should focus on serving customers, not interfering in foreign policy. They must apologise and reverse this divisive decision.”
The Co-op has previously declined to stock products made in Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, but this is the first time the chain has extended its policy to all Israeli-origin goods.
The new approach will be applied on a “where possible” basis, allowing for exceptions in cases where viable alternatives are unavailable.
Consumer advocacy groups welcomed the move. Ethical Consumer, a campaign organisation focused on responsible business practices, called it “a landmark moment for ethical retail” and urged other UK supermarkets to follow suit.
The announcement comes amid growing pressure on global brands and retailers to adopt more rigorous human rights due diligence practices, particularly around sourcing from countries facing international sanctions or criticism.
Analysts say other supermarkets will closely watch consumer and political reactions to the Co-op’s decision as debate intensifies over the role of business in advancing human rights.
