Co-operation and success

The Co-operative has a history of caring for members, customers and its business. Part of that caring approach is a robust animal welfare policy that has led the way in many areas over the years. As a result, they have claimed various RSPCA Good Business Awards including the once-only `Lifetime Achievement' recognition.

In 1999, the Co-operative was the first retailer to be awarded the right to use the International Cruelty-Free symbol, developed by leading animal welfare organisations world-wide, including the BUAV (British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection) on its range of Health and Beauty products. The Co-operative also fully supports the RSPCA's Freedom Food scheme (the retailer had the first ever Freedom Food labelled produce on its shelves in 1994) and converted its fresh plain chicken range to its higher welfare 'Elmwood' standard or above.

Recently, The Co-operative has also implemented a higher welfare turkey initiative and banned the sale of eggs from caged hens from all stores.

¿The Co-operative has consistently strived to achieve higher welfare practice within the constraints of a volume retailer,¿ said RSPCA Good Business Awards judge Dr Spriegel at 2010's ceremony, ¿and we wanted to acknowledge its wide commitment to ethical business.¿

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