Whilst essentially similar to the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) base code, the Co-operative Group Code does in certain areas go further, aiming to work with our suppliers to deliver continually improving workplace standards. As a founder member of the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI), Co-operative Retail has been instrumental is setting criteria for suppliers in developing countries and all around the world for the last ten years.

In 1998 our flagship product, Co-op 99 Tea, became the first mainstream grocery product to be sourced and marketed on an ethical trading platform.

The Code seeks to put sound sourcing in the same light as quality management and other issues where the Co-op work closely with suppliers. Hence we have developed here the method of stting targets in a process of continual improvement - key elements in any quality system Link to Co-op UK for more

The Co-op Code is spelt out in detail in each of the headings of the Code menu as it relates to each of the criteria.