Our ethics

The Co-operative is a modern business whose ethos is as relevant today as it was 160 years ago. Throughout our history we have stood true to our ethics and beliefs, knowing that they are right for our customers, our communities and our colleagues. While other retailers have recently discovered the commercial benefits of an ethical approach to business, our beliefs define who we are. We’re proud that our ethical approach started back in 1844 when the Rochdale Pioneers established a set of values and principles in response to a society that was being exploited. This foundation has guided our unique approach to retail and is accepted throughout the world as the basis of all co-operative activity.

One of these guiding principles – democratic member control – saw us conduct the world’s largest consumer poll on ethics in 2007. Over 100,000 of our members helped to shape and contribute to our unique and groundbreaking Food Ethical Policy. Not only is this policy unique, it also guides our commercial decisions and will maintain and strengthen our position as the UK’s leading responsible retailer.

Trading fairer and greener

We have been the UK’s longest supporter of Fairtrade, since 1992, and our recent Food Ethical poll showed that ethical trading is still our members’ number one concern. In a swift response to this, we became the UK’s first retailer to convert all of our own-brand tea, coffee and hot chocolate to Fairtrade.

While other retailers are reducing packaging by using more toxin-creating PVC, we are looking at more sustainable solutions. For instance, all of the glass used in our wine bottles will be reduced to save approximately 450 tonnes of glass a year by the end of 2008. Pioneering change is not new to us, in fact its something we strive for. In 1998, we started reducing our carbon footprint by beginning the switch to green electricity, and by 2006 we were the first major retailer to convert all of our mainland estate to this source.

It’s a rewarding way to work

Our work in these areas has not gone un-noticed and in 2007 we were awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Sustainability, an accolade never achieved by any other retailer. We were also declared the UK’s greenest retailer by the BBC’s Money Programme, and were voted the UK’s most ethical brand in a Gfk NOP survey.

Through their values and principles, the Rochdale Pioneers empowered a community in 1844. Today these values and principles continue to empower our customers, our colleagues and communities to make significant and positive changes to people’s lives. Now isn’t that the kind of business that you would be proud to work for?

You can find out more about how our ethics are embedded in to our culture by taking a look at Responsible Retailing. Or you can view our video profiles and our people to see if you share the passion and vision of our colleagues.

A full copy of the Food Ethical Policy is available here.