 In
1832 nine men, believed to be ribbon weavers, launched
a great democratic experiment. They formed the Lockhurst
Lane Industrial Co-operative Society in the Parish of
Foleshill, Coventry. The idea was to provide working families
with decent quality food, clothes and other goods at affordable
prices.
Lockhurst Lane Society was the first Co-operative to be
successfully set up in this region and indeed was amongst
the very first Co-operative Societies in the country.
It merged with the Coventry Society in 1968 and later
became part of the Coventry & East Mercia Co-operative
Society.
On January 1st 2000 the Society changed its name to the
Heart of England Co-operative Society more accurately
reflecting the area in which the Society now trades.
Co-op Responsible
Retailing Initiatives
Access
for All - top ^
2002
Braille Ready Meals
The Co-op expands the range of products that carry Braille
to many chilled and frozen ready meals.
2001-2002
Braille Awards
The Co-op's innovative development of Braille on packaging
is recognised by receiving 3 prestigious industry awards.
2001
Braille on Spirits
The Co-op is the first retailer to include Braille labels
on some of its own-brand alcoholic drinks. The move coincides
with the launch of two new premium spirits - whisky and
vodka - just in time for Christmas.
2001
Braille on Co-op Brand Medicines
The Co-op becomes the first retailer to introduce Braille
onto its own brand range of medicines.
1999
Access to Information
The Co-op provides even greater access to information
for its customers who have hearing or sight disabilities.
Co-op information is now available on request in Braille,
Large Print, on Cassette and a freephone Minicom line
installed - this work played a key role in winning the
Getting the Message Across Award which is a very prestigious
award within the disability field.
1995
Adoption of Packaging Guidelines
Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD) guidelines are
adopted for legibility, operability and tactile information
on the packaging of Co-op Brand household products such
as bleach.
Animal
Welfare - top ^
1999
Humane Cosmetics Standard
The Co-op is the first grocery retailer to be awarded
the right to use the new 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 symbol shows that the Co-op fulfils the criteria of
the Humane Cosmetics Standard and is an independent endorsement
of the Co-op's strict non-animal testing policies. Co-op
Babycare products are the first labels to introduce the
symbol, which guarantees that neither the product nor
its ingredients have been tested on animals after a fixed
cut off date - 1985 in the case of the Co-op Brand.
1996
Animal Testing
The Co-op launches 'Ending the Pain' - a campaign against
animal testing in the toiletries industry. This includes
backing FRAME, a charity dedicated to finding alternatives
to animal tests. A Right to Know leaflet gives customers
the animal testing policies of the manufacturers whose
products are stocked in Co-op stores.
1995
Egg Labelling
The Co-op is the first retailer to label eggs 'Intensively
Produced' a technically illegal step, but one in the consumer's
interest. This leads to a change in the law, allowing
eggs to be labelled 'From Caged Hens'. Co-op egg packs
have changed to this wording and several other retailers
have followed suit. The move is welcomed by consumers
and pressure groups angry with packaging depicting idyllic
farmyard scenes and describing battery eggs as 'Farm Fresh'.
We also identify the source of the eggs used in recipe
products.
1994
RSPCA Freedom Food
The Co-op supports the development of the RSPCA Freedom
Food scheme to improve the welfare standards for animals
at all stages of the food chain. This leads to the introduction
of a range of Co-op Brand Freedom Food products.
1990
Animal Testing
The Co-op announces that no Co-op Brand toiletries or
household products, or their ingredients, have been tested
on animals after 1985 - even though the law allowed the
practice to continue. The Co-op co-sponsors with the RSPCA
a Private Members' Bill to require more informative labelling
for products tested on animals.
Diet
and Health - top ^
2003
5 a day
The Co-op supports the Government advice
to eat at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day
and introduces a logo on the front of appropriate packs.
The 5 A DAY symbol will help customers choose healthy
products and where possible the symbol states how much
a portion is.
2000
Salt Reduced in Bread
The Co-op cuts salt content of its standard white and
value white loaves to its lowest ever level in a move
to help improve the national diet. The Co-op puts pressure
on the industry with a nation-wide taste test which highlights
that there are no discernible taste differences between
bread with a higher salt content and the bread that has
reduced salt.
1999
LoSalt Initiative
The Co-op is the first retailer own brand to carry the
LoSalt Logo. A range of products including sausages, soups
and ready meals have been introduced and a wide range
of other products is under development. This step is taken
to help consumers cut down on the amount of salt in their
diet.
1998
Salt Labelling
Excessive salt intake is associated with high blood pressure,
strokes, heart disease, cancer of the stomach and osteoporosis.
The Co-op leads the way in telling consumers how much
salt products contain. It was the first retailer to spell
out the approximate salt content on pack and remains the
only one to state this information clearly on front of
packs.
1997
Dental Advice - Sweets
The Co-op wins the Golden Carrot Award for the best contribution
by industry to the promotion of health in the field of
sugar. This award recognises the innovation of the Co-op,
which voluntarily puts an 'Advice to Parents' panel on
100 Co-op Brand products.
1996
Alcoholic Drink Warnings
The Co-op leads industry by putting sensible drinking
advice on its wines and spirits, in addition to alcohol
units already stated on the label. It begins campaigning
for a change in the law which technically prohibits such
information.
1995
Salt Assault/Fat Attack
The Co-op challenges suppliers to reduce the amount of
fat and salt in Co-op products to help achieve Nutrition
Task Force targets. The Co-op becomes the first retailer
to label calories and fat content per serving on front
of pack and grams of salt on the reverse.
1994
Allergy Advice/Food Intolerance Warnings
A policy initiated with a voluntary commitment in 1994
to highlight nuts to help people with allergies has been
continually reviewed and updated. It now extends to nuts,
sesame seeds, sesame seed oil, eggs, fish, crustaceans,
molluscs, shellfish, cow's milk, soya and gluten - the
major food allergens. Clear labelling helps sufferers
to avoid these products. To help prevent nut allergy,
women from families with a history of allergy or asthma
are warned not to eat nuts when pregnant or breast feeding.
1993
Folic Acid
Following the spirit rather than the letter of the law,
the Co-op is the first retailer to make a 'medical' claim
on products containing folic acid, passing on the Government's
advice that folic acid helps reduce the risk of Spina
Bifida in babies.
1992
Sanitary Protection Labelling
The Co-op is the first retailer to ensure its sanitary
protection products carry prominent warnings about Toxic
Shock Syndrome.
1986
Nutrient Labelling
The Co-op commits to introducing nutrient labelling on
all its food products and the first consumer-friendly
labelling system using HIGH, MEDIUM and LOW to interpret
relevant nutrient levels is introduced.
1985
Dental Care
Dental care advice is put on sweet wrappers, demonstrating
that the Co-op is prepared to highlight information which
is not necessarily good news for the product.
Environment
- top ^
2002
Degradable Bags
The Co-op launches Britain's first 100% degradable carrier
bag, to help reduce landfill waste. Although the Co-op
bags are 100% degradable, they are just as strong as non-degradable
carrier bags and can still be reused. This move was supported
by instore point of sale encouraging reuse.
2001 and 2002
Green Apple Awards
The Co-op's commitment to the environment is rewarded
by receiving a Green Apple Award in 2001 for the Closing
the Loop scheme and also in 2002 in recognition of its
policy to reduce pesticides.
2000
Environmental Management System
The Co-op is committed to introducing a co-ordinated
environmental management system (EMS) across its family
of businesses. A pilot programme is currently underway
in Co-op Travelcare, Britain's largest independent travel
agent, and provides a useful insight into the practices
of managing the environmental impact of a multi-site retail
operation.
1999
Lindane
Co-op suppliers are the first to be told to ensure that
Lindane is not being used as an agricultural treatment
for fresh produce or Co-op Brand products sold in its
stores. This follows mounting concerns over the effects
of the chemical on human health. A halt is called to the
use of Lindane on the 85,000 acres of land the Co-op farms.
Lindane is eliminated from domestic gardening products
sold in its stores.
1998
Marine Stewardship Council
The Co-op registers support for the Marine Stewardship
Council and works together to ensure sustainable marine
fisheries by promoting responsible, environmentally appropriate,
socially beneficial and economically viable fishing practices.
1992
Pesticides
After pioneering the use of integrated crop management
(ICM) on its own farms, the Co-op joins with other retailers
and farmers to develop crop protocols. These are designed
to minimise the use of chemicals, whilst providing safe
food at affordable prices.
1990
CFC's
Aerosol retailers and manufacturers endorse safer alternatives
by following the lead of the Co-op, which switched its
stock of aerosols to alternative gases in 1987.
1988
Packaging Claims and Product Policy
A new policy is introduced to reduce the environmental
impact of Co-op Brand products where possible, without
affecting performance or price. The Co-op will not use
'Environment Friendly' or other such meaningless claims
on Co-op Brand products.
Ethical
Trading - top ^
2000
Co-op Tea
Following the lead of Co-op 99 Tea, the other 2 big Co-op
tea ranges become 'soundly sourced' with the confirmation
that leaves are only taken from tea estates that meet
not only the quality criteria but also those for employee
working and living conditions.
1999
Ethical Trading Code of Conduct
All companies supplying Co-op products receive the code
of conduct which is backed up by an extension of the sound
sourcing monitoring programme.
1998
Co-op 99 Tea
The Co-op announces that Co-op 99 Tea is the first mainstream
food product to be sourced and marketed on an ethical
trading platform.
1997
Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI)
The Co-op is one of the first organisations to commit
to joinging the ETI, an initiative that brings together
companies, campaigning groups and trade unions with support
from the UK Government to develop standards designed to
improve the quality of life of workers throughout the
world.
1996
Ethical Trading - Audit Programme
The Co-op joins up with leading development organisations
to develop an audit programme. The scheme aims to deliver
safe and decent working conditions for workers in factories
producing Co-op goods around the world.
Fairtrade
- top ^
2003
New Co-op Fairly Traded Wines
The Co-op launches the first supermarket own brand fairly
traded South African wines Co-op Fair Trade Cape Trinity
and Co-op Fair Trade Cape Unity. At the same time, the
Co-op launches the first fairly traded boxed wine, Co-op
Fair Trade Chilean Shiraz Cabernet 3 litre.
2003
Worldaware Award
The Co-op scoops a major award at the Worldaware Business
Awards in recognition of its commitment to fair trade.
The Co-op receives the Award for Sustainable Development
which recognises the contribution that commercial activity
can make to the sustainable growth of developing countries
throughout the world.
2002
Co-op Fair Trade Pineapples
The Co-op brings the World's first Fairtrade pineapples
to the UK. They are grown by the Asoproagroin association
of pineapple farmers in Costa Rica.
2002
Chocolate Report
The Co-op's Food Crime investigation looks into exploitation
of the developing world. The report focuses on the exploitation
of West African cocoa growers and shows what a huge difference
can be made by supporting Fairtrade. At this time the
Co-op takes the momentous step in converting all its own
brand block chocolate to Fairtrade.
2002
Co-op Fair Trade Mangoes
The Co-op's Fairtrade mangoes are the first Fairtrade
mangoes to go on sale in the World. The Co-op - which
was also the first British supermarket to stock Fairtrade
bananas in 2000 - is thus continuing in its tradition
of 'Fairtrade firsts'.
2002 Co-op Fair Trade Crispy White
Chocolate
The Co-op introduces a Crispy White Chocolate to its
growing Fairtrade range. This white chocolate is unique
to the Co-op.
2002
Co-op Fairly Traded White Wine
Following the successful 2001 launch of the Co-op Fair
Trade Chilean Carmenere - the UK's first supermarket own
brand fairly traded wine - the Co-op once again works
in partnership with Traidcraft to bring another excellent
product from the Los Robles Co-operative to UK consumers.
2002
Co-op Fair Trade Chocolate Cake
The ninth product to join the expanding range of Co-op
own-brand fairly traded products is the delicious Co-op
Fair Trade Chocolate Cake. The first Fairtrade product
of its kind, takes Fairtrade into a new product area and
introduces many more customers to the concept of Fairtrade.
2001, 2002
Fairtrade Awards
The Co-op's commitment to Fairtrade is recognised within
the industry through prestigious awards including the
highest accolade from our peers in the retail industry.
The Co-op is confirmed as Multiple Retailer of the Year
at the prestigious Retail Industry Awards 2002, where
the judges highlight our Fairtrade actions as one of the
reasons. Other accolades include the award for In-Store
Promotion of the Year at the Retail Week Awards and the
Retail Industry Award for Marketing Campaign of the Year
2001 for our Fairtrade Campaign.
2001
Co-op Fairly Traded Red Wine
The Co-op launches the UK's first supermarket fairly
traded wine - Co-op Fair Trade Chilean Carmenere. This
is another ground breaking venture for the Co-op as at
present no internationally agreed criteria exist for fair
trade on wine. It has been made possible to bring the
product to our shelves through partnership with Traidcraft
whose expertise in establishing fairly traded products
has been used to set up a program of support and development
for the producers of the wine, the Los Robles Co-operative.
2000
1st Fairtrade Mark Bananas
The Co-op becomes the first retailer to bring Fairtade
Mark bananas to the UK. This move signals a breakthrough
in the campaign to support small, independent producers
and shows the Co-op's commitment to Fairtrade. When Co-op
shoppers choose Fairtrade Mark Bananas they will be helping
to improve the lives of many poor and marginalised producers.
2000
Co-op Fair Trade Divine Milk Chocolate
Another Fairtrade First - The Co-op scores a supermarket
first with the launch of its own label Fairtrade Milk
Chocolate, in conjunction with the Day Chocolate Company,
makers of Divine. The chocolate is the first in a number
of own label Fairtrade products planned by the Co-op.
1999
Fairtrade Products in All Stores
The Co-op makes a strategic decision to stock a Fairtrade
Mark tea and instant coffee in all of its stores, even
the smallest community store. This means that the Co-op
has the largest number of outlets selling Fairtrade Mark
products. (All store stocking now includes Fairtrade chocolate
and roast and ground coffee).
1992
Cafédirect
The Co-op is the first major retailer to sell Fairtrade
Mark Cafédirect coffee. It now stocks an expanding
range of fair trade products.
Right to know
- top ^
2002
Pillage - The Chocolate Report
A Food Crimes investigation into exploitation in the
developing world. The report focuses on the poverty of
West African Cocoa growers and shows what a huge difference
can be made by supporting Fairtrade. At this time the
Co-op takes the momentous step in converting all its own
brand block chocolate to Fairtrade and campaigns for others
to follow its lead.
2002
Lie of the Label 2
Following on from its successful report that uncovered
the seven deadly sins of dishonest food labelling in 1997,
the Co-op revisits food labelling on behalf of consumers
to see how things have improved and to move the agenda
forward.
2001
Non GM Feed to Livestock
The Co-op is the first major retailer to ensure that
all its fresh pork comes from pigs fed on a diet which
contains no genetically modified soya. The move comes
amid continuing consumer unease about GM material in animal
feed.
2001
Green and Pleasant Land
As part of its 'Food Crimes' inquiries the Co-op turns
the spotlight on consumers mistrust of agrochemicals.
As a result of the inquiry to Co-op bans over 20 pesticides
used for food production worldwide amid rising consumer
concerns about the impact on human health and the environment
of chemical residues. The ground breaking move comes with
a challenge to governments, the EU, the agrochemical industry
and other retailers to embark on a radical rethink of
pesticide safety and regulatory controls.
2001
Co-op Eggs - Non GM and No Colourants
Co-op Brand free range and barn eggs are laid by hens
whose diet contains maize and soya which are of non-GM
origin. The diet does not contain any ingredients designed
solely to enhance yolk colour.
2000
Organics
The Co-op launches a comprehensive range
of organic products in all its food stores, ensuring that
even shoppers in its convenience stores can choose an
organic alternative at prices that are down to earth.
2000
Cannibalism
The Co-op calls for a Europe-wide ban on the feeding
of animal waste to farm animals. In the wake of the BSE
crisis, which we now know can be largely blamed on animal
waste being fed back to farm animals, our customers are
dismayed at the way the regulations still pick and choose
between acceptable and unacceptable feed ingredients such
as blood and bone meal. The Co-op believes that this is
tantamount to cannibalism and must be stamped out if governments
want to eliminate potential safety risks and and restore
consumer confidence in meat.
2000
Blackmail
The first inquiry, launched after the Food Crimes report,
highlighted parental concern about the impact of TV advertising
of food and drink products on their children's diets.
As a result the Co-op commits itself to a voluntary ban
on advertising, during children's TV hours, of all food
and drink products high in fat, sugar or salt. The Co-op
calls on others in the food chain to follow its lead and
campaigns for the Independent Television Commission (ITC)
to impose a ban.
2000
Food Crimes - Honest Food
The Co-op lifts the lid on 7 food crimes. While today's
shoppers are spoiled for choice and can buy staple foods
at affordable prices and seek out the exotic all year
round, the pursuit of plenty has yielded some shameful
side-effects. Health scares, environmental violations
and animal welfare outrages have shocked the public. So
much so that today's consumers are broadly mistrustful
of the industry which fills their plates. Consumers welcome
the choice but want to take back the power they have lost
as food becomes increasingly mechanised, processed, packaged
and commercialised. As a consequence the Co-op launches
a series of radical inquiries into the 'food crimes' being
committed in the name of progress. A number of initiatives
will start the process of redressing the balance of power
between consumers and big business.
1999
Genetics
The Co-op shares its customers concerns over GM Food
and changes its GM policy to reflect customer opinion.
Co-op Brand suppliers are told not to use genetically
modified ingredients therefore NO CO-OP BRAND FOOD PRODUCTS
WILL BE MADE FROM ANY GENETICALLY MODIFIED INGREDIENTS
OR INGREDIENTS DERIVED FROM A GM SOURCE.
1998
Consumer Jury
The Co-op is the first retailer to give a jury of members
and customers the power to change its labels if they feel
consumers are being misled. This becomes a fundamental
part of the Co-op's Honest Labelling campaign. Its existence
ensures that consumer complaints are genuinely acted upon.
1997
Honest Labelling - Lie of the Label Report
The Co-op identifies labelling 'tricks of the trade'
which are used to make products appear bigger and better
than they really are. The Co-op produces a code of practice
and calls for industry to adhere to it. Consumer groups
welcome the move.
1996
Animal Ingredients
The presence or absence of animal ingredients is made
clear on all Co-op Brand non-food products.
1995
Vegan Labels
'Suitable for Vegans' (as well as Vegetarians) is labelled
on appropriate products.
1994
Genetics
The Co-op announces a policy on Genetic Modification,
taking the lead by labelling foods which have been produced
using genetic modification. The Co-op remains the only
retailer to label cheese when it has been produced using
genetic modification and is therefore suitable for vegetarians.
As technology develops and debate continues, the Co-op
policy will be adapted to respond to changing circumstances
and reflect consumer opinion.
1994
Freephone Careline
The Co-op is the first retailer to provide a Freephone
number and a Freepost address on Co-op Brand products
to make it easy for customers to make enquiries.
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