The Co‑operative Group, a major UK supermarket chain, has stopped sourcing products from 17 countries, including Israel, Iran, and Russia, due to concerns over human rights abuses and violations of international law. This decision follows a member vote in May 2025, where 73% supported cutting ties with Israel, leading the board to adopt a new ethical sourcing policy in June. The phase-out of affected products began later that month. The banned countries include Israel, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Syria, Libya, Sudan, Yemen, Somalia, Belarus, Afghanistan, Myanmar, South Sudan, Mali, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti, and the Central African Republic. Products removed from Co-op shelves include Israeli carrots and mangoes, tahini, dates, herbs, and any Co-op-branded items containing ingredients sourced from these countries. The Co-op frames this move as aligned with UN and NGO reports on human rights and part of its commitment to ethical sourcing, aiming to avoid business with regimes involved in conflict or systemic abuses. While supporters view this as a positive step for ethical consumerism and solidarity, critics argue it politicises retail or targets certain countries selectively.
Reference: June 25, 2025
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/co-op-supermarket-chain-stop-sourcing-goods-israel-and-16-other-countries