The latest Co-operate report from Co-op, the UK’s largest consumer co-operative, is available here – an open and honest account of the actions the group has taken against its commitments to community, ethics, and sustainability during 2023.
“Our member-owners, colleagues and communities need our support more than ever. Our new Co-op Vision “Co-operating to build more value for our member-owners every day” supports our ambitions of returning to our heritage and Co-operative values by placing our member-owners firmly at the heart of all we do, by creating and returning value to them.
We’re all too aware that 2023 has been another year of tragic worldwide unrest and economic turmoil, globally and in the UK. The impact of our Co-op can be felt even more powerfully during these challenging times, but throughout the uncertainty, we are really proud that we were still there to support those who rely on our Co-op; our member-owners, colleagues, customers and local communities.”
Shirine Khoury-Haq, Co-op CEO
The Co-operate Report shows how the Co-op group is performing against the issues which its member-owners care about, through their work within communities, to their pioneering campaigning activity and ongoing sustainability programme.
Key 2023 highlights include:
Our People
- We’ve met our target to increase the representation of ethnic minority leaders and now stand at 8%
- Since 2021, over £23m-worth of funding has been brought together by our partners and suppliers to support people from diverse backgrounds into apprenticeships through Co-op Levyshare
- 96% of Co-op own-brand products met their calorie reduction targets
- We are proud to have continued our impact through Fairtrade sourcing, and in 2024 we are celebrating 30 years of Fairtrade
Our member-owners and communities
- Member-owners have raised £107m for more than 36,000 unique community projects since our Local Community Fund launched in 2016
- Over 1m members joined us in 2023. The most we’ve recruited in a single year since 2017
- Our member-owners have taken action in support of our Vision over 2.5 million times
- 4.06m people benefitted in our members’ communities, on issues member owners care about.
Our planet
- We were recognised at the Fairtrade Global Awards – winning the Climate Leader award
- 26% reduction in our plastic footprint
- 21% reduction in indirect GHG emissions
- 29% reduction in food waste
29 of the 31 targets set last year have been achieved or (for longer-term targets) are on track.
Looking ahead, the Report sets out 27 targets and identifies emerging themes for the coming years which will further support Co-op’s Vision. These include:
- Engaging with suppliers to achieve science-based climate targets
- Reducing the amount of food waste we generate from running our business
- Increasing the amount pledged by partners to Co-op Levy Share to support apprenticeships
Co-op will continue to support human rights and ethical trade across its businesses while placing its member-owners firmly at the heart of everything they do and creating more value to give back to member-owners and to society.
The Report is independently assured by DNV.