An advisory motion to remove Israeli produce from shelves has passed at the retailer’s AGM with three quarters of members in favour
Co-op members have voted in favour of a motion calling for the retailer to cease all trade with Israel.
The motion, which took place at the AGM this week (17 May), saw 72.8 per cent of Co-op members vote in favour, with 27.2 per cent voting against.
Put forward by an individual member, the motion said: “We ask the Board to demonstrate fairness and consistency in its ethical decision making, and cease all trading with Israel. The Co-op was the first supermarket to boycott Russian products in March 2022, a week after the invasion of Ukraine.
“We urge the Board to show moral courage and leadership, apply the same ethical principles and values it did to Russia, and take all Israeli products off the shelves.”
In a statement, Co-op said that while the results are advisory, it is currently reviewing its sourcing policies and will announce the results of that review in summer.
”Many member-owners have expressed their views on conflicts and human rights, and the action they believe our Co-op should take on their behalf.
”The Board are currently reviewing our sourcing policies to ensure that they reflect our values and principles and the views of our members, taking into consideration developments in the geopolitical situation and international food supply chains,” the statement read.
It also noted that the nature of international food supply chains means that “it is very often impossible, impractical or unsafe to stop sourcing products entirely from specific countries.”
“At our AGM (17th May 2025) a members’ motion on trading with Israel has passed,” a spokesperson confirmed. “Whilst the motion is advisory, we are currently reviewing our sourcing policies which we do from time to time. This is to ensure they reflect both our values and principles and views of our members, which they have made clear today.”
Israel is a key supplier of produce to the UK, including for citrus, tomatoes, grapes and sweet potatoes.
The AGM saw members vote on 13 motions in total, as well as Member Nominated Director (MND) elections.
Co-op chair Debbie White said: “In 2024, the number of active member-owners at our Co-op grew to 6.2 million, with a significant increase in member-owners engaging with our Co-op and shaping what we do. Today we’re at 6.5 million.
“The passion and commitment we have seen from our member-owners today is testament to our work in putting our member-owners right at the heart of the business they own. It is clear that democracy is alive and thriving within our Co-op.”
