UK Co-op adds Israel to sourcing ban list over ‘rights violations’

British retail chain to boycott Israeli products under new policy targeting nations accused of human rights abuses, prompting backlash from pro-Israel voices.

By David Brummer, World Israel News

The UK-based Co-operative Group (Co-op) announced Tuesday that it will cease sourcing products from 17 countries—including Israel—as part of a sweeping new policy aimed at aligning its supply chain with what it calls “co-operative values” and “international human rights standards.”

The decision, approved by the Co-op Group Board and unveiled at the start of Co-op Fortnight in the UK, marks a dramatic shift in the retailer’s sourcing policy.

The chain cited pressure from members who, according to internal surveys, identified global conflicts as one of their top concerns.

In response, the board launched what it calls a peace-oriented campaign under the slogan, “Hate Divides Communities, Co-operation Builds Them.”

The new policy sets three benchmarks for boycotting countries: that international bodies such as the United Nations have assessed them as engaging in systemic human rights abuses or violations of international law; that a sourcing ban could positively impact victims of these violations; and that the policy maintains the commercial viability and ethical standing of the Co-op itself.

Among the 17 blacklisted countries are Afghanistan, Haiti, Libya, Myanmar, Sudan, South Sudan, Syria, Iran, Russia, North Korea—and notably, Israel.

Israeli officials and pro-Israel advocates swiftly criticized the inclusion, arguing it equates a democratic ally of the West with some of the world’s most repressive regimes.

Under the new policy, Co-op said it will remove items that are “clearly and solely sourced” from the targeted countries.

Examples include mangoes from Mali and carrots from Israel. The phase-out is set to begin in June 2025, with impacted suppliers already notified.

Debbie White, Chair of the Co-op Group Board, framed the boycott as an extension of the company’s ethical sourcing legacy.

“This policy is a clear demonstration of our co-operative values in action,” she said.

“Where we can, we are committed to removing products sourced from countries that are inconsistent with our principles.”

Yet critics argue that singling out Israel—already the target of multiple boycott campaigns across Europe—undermines Co-op’s claims of neutrality and fairness.

While the Co-op insists its move is based on a “year of detailed analysis” and international consensus, its decision to blacklist Israel—while continuing to operate in countries like China, which was not on the list—raises questions about consistency and intent.