Co-op removes Israeli carrots and Russian vodka to promote peace

In June 2025, the Co-op supermarket chain in the UK announced the removal of certain products from its shelves due to their origins in countries identified as having significant human rights issues. This decision includes boycotting Israeli carrots, Russian vodka, and mangoes from Mali. The supermarket's new policy is part of a broader initiative aimed at promoting peace and cooperation, reflecting the concerns expressed by Co-op members regarding conflicts and human rights abuses. The company emphasized that the policy aligns with its cooperative values and was approved by the Co-op Group Board. This initiative follows an in-depth analysis conducted over the past year, in which the supermarket identified 17 'countries of concern' based on three key criteria. These include agreement among respected assessments of human rights abuses, the potential for the Co-op's actions to impact those affected positively, and the maintenance of the supermarket's commercial integrity. The Co-op's actions are represented as a response to member surveys indicating strong interest in aligning business practices with humanitarian principles. Debbie White, chairwoman of the Co-op Group Board, stated that the policy serves as a demonstration of the cooperative values in action, and it aims to ensure that Co-op members see their concerns being addressed. The supermarket has committed to phasing out the specified products in line with the start of Co-op Fortnight, an initiative designed to promote community engagement and cooperative values. Through this policy, the Co-op seeks to stand in solidarity with those affected by human rights violations and takes a firm stance against sourcing from identified offending nations. By implementing this policy, the Co-op is not only hoping to make a moral statement but also encouraging other businesses to reflect on their sourcing policies and consider the broader implications of their practices. This decision reflects a growing trend among consumers and companies opting to boycott products from countries with dubious human rights records. The change marks a significant moment in supermarket ethics and the role of corporations in advocating for international humanitarian standards.