How Co-op Leverages Procurement for Sustainability

The UK's largest consumer co-operative is using its market influence to advance sustainability across multiple fronts, from supporting businesses with ethical energy procurement to transforming its seafood supply chain.

Co-op Group operates a substantial portfolio that includes food retail, funeral services, insurance and legal offerings.

It serves more than six million active member-owners through an extensive network of more than 2,300 food stores, 800 funeral homes and a wholesale operation supplying approximately 6,000 retail outlets.

With 54,000 employees and annual revenues surpassing £11bn (US$14.7bn), Co-op Group has positioned itself as a leader in ethical business practices and community-focused initiatives across the UK.

Collective energy buying power

Co-op Group has revitalised Co-op Power, described as the UK's largest co-operative energy buying group, with an expanded remit to assist like-minded organisations in reducing costs whilst accessing sustainable, ethically sourced energy.

The initiative extends beyond Co-op's own operational needs, utilising its purchasing power to support other businesses in developing greener energy strategies.

The company offers expertise across several domains, including energy management for major facilities such as its Biggleswade distribution depot, demonstrating a commitment to efficiency and sustainability at scale.

Imran Rasul, Chief Procurement Officer at Co-op, says: "As the biggest Co-op in the UK, we buy power for our own business and we decided to use our buying power to help other like-minded businesses save money and source energy in an ethical and sustainable way.

"We're building on Co-op's experience as a major energy user to help businesses take control of their energy strategies.

"Our team brings deep expertise in sourcing, buying and managing energy and we're committed to using that knowledge to deliver real value – helping businesses cut costs while sourcing energy in a way that's sustainable and ethical."

The foundation for this expanded offering is established in 2022, when Co-op Group restructures its internal energy procurement approach.

Through close collaboration between sustainability and property teams, Co-op Group develops a green strategy incorporating corporate Power Purchase Agreements (cPPAs) and embedded generation.

Following a soft launch to partner suppliers at Co-op's GNFR Conference in June 2025, the initiative is subsequently presented at the Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD) Conference in September.

What Co-op Power offers

Co-op Power's offer focuses on four key services:

1. Green Strategy Consultancy – helping businesses design their own sustainable energy plans.
2. Energy Procurement – leveraging Co-op's in-house expertise to support customers with flexible purchasing strategies.
3. Portfolio and Bill Management – expert bureau services to manage energy portfolios.
4. Account Management – dedicated support for ongoing energy needs.

"We've redesigned our approach to make Co-op Power stronger and more resilient than ever," adds Imran.

"This isn't just about buying energy; it's about co-operating to create value for businesses, communities and the planet."

Aquaculture certification standards

Beyond energy sustainability, Co-op Group has set an ambitious target for its seafood sourcing.

The retailer plans to transition 100% of its standard own-brand fresh and frozen farmed seafood range to Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certification by 2027.

ASC represents a globally recognised standard for responsible aquaculture, providing transparency and traceability throughout the supply chain whilst promoting farming practices that respect fish welfare, environmental considerations and the communities surrounding farms.

Seabass has become the first product to carry the ASC logo in stores.

Over the next 15 months, the certification will extend to items including fresh smoked salmon and whole prawns, covering all 18 lines in the range.

Sam Darley, Fisheries and Agriculture Compliance Manager at Co-op, says: "Offering high-quality, sustainably sourced seafood on our shelves is at the heart of our commitment as a responsible retailer and moving 100% of our farmed fish to ASC by 2027 reflects the rigorous standards we have upheld since 2008, ensuring all seafood is sourced from well-managed farms and fisheries whilst minimising our impact on the marine environment."