Company Directory - The Co-operative Group
Company Details - The Co-operative Group
The Co-operative Group
WebsiteManchester, United Kingdom
2500 Locations
The Co-operative Group, often referred to as Co-op, is a UK-based consumer co-operative with a diverse business portfolio including food retailing, funeral care, and insurance services. As one of the largest consumer co-ops in the UK, it operates over 2,500 food stores and serves millions of customers while being committed to ethical practices and community support.
CCI Score
CCI Score: The Co-operative Group
10.85
-0.06%
Latest Event
Cyber Attack Affects The Co-operative Group
Amid a series of cyber attacks on UK retailers, reports indicate that The Co-operative Group was among those affected, raising concerns about the security of customer data and the company's ability to protect sensitive information.
Take Action
So what can you do? Support Co-op by shopping, spreading the word, or offering your support.
- Shop Alternatives
SEE ALL - Use Your Voice
OTHER TOOLS - Investigate
- Share the Score
SUPPORT CCI
SABOTEUR
The Co-operative Group is currently rated as a Saboteur.
Latest Events
- MAY152025
Amid a series of cyber attacks on UK retailers, reports indicate that The Co-operative Group was among those affected, raising concerns about the security of customer data and the company's ability to protect sensitive information.
- JAN012025
At its annual general meeting, The Co-operative Group approved political expenditures of up to £1m in support of the left-leaning Co-operative Party, continuing its pattern of politically active funding that aligns with progressive, democratic values.
+50
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
May 15
By approving up to £1m in political expenditures to support the Co-operative Party—a party with strong ties to Labour—the Co-op Group reinforces its commitment to progressive political funding. This continued financial support for a left-leaning movement stands in opposition to authoritarian and far-right political financing.
- JAN012025
During the AGM, members also voted on new corporate governance procedures that would reduce their direct say in board elections, raising concerns about the democratic nature of the co-operative's internal practices.
-30
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
May 15
The vote to adopt new governance procedures that diminish members' direct influence signals a move away from the cooperative’s foundational democratic principles. Reducing member participation in board elections undermines the ethical commitment and transparency expected of a democratic, worker-focused organization.
- JAN012025
At its annual general meeting, The Co-operative Group approved political expenditures of up to £1m to continue supporting the left-leaning Co-operative Party, following a previous donation of £625,000 last year.
+80
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
May 15
The Co-operative Group’s decision to continue funding the Co-operative Party underscores its commitment to progressive political engagement and support for a party with strong ties to Labour. This action reinforces its alignment with anti-fascist, pro-worker, and socially inclusive policies.
- MAY182024
At its 2024 AGM on May 18, the Co-operative Group approved Motion 10 allowing political expenditure up to £750,000 for the fiscal year starting January 2025. The meeting also featured discussions on enhancing worker protections and addressing violence against shop workers, as well as community and ethical business practices.
+10
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
May 15
The AGM approved Motion 10 authorizing political expenditure—including donations and subscriptions to political parties—up to £750,000 for 2025. While political spending can be a channel for influence, this measure was democratically approved by member-owners and is designed to support transparent political engagement without clear ties to authoritarian or far‐right interests.
+25
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
May 15
The AGM emphasized strong labor and community commitments, including measures to improve safety for shop workers and support campaigns against workplace violence. These initiatives reflect the Group’s ongoing commitment to ethical business practices and the protection of worker rights.
- MAY012022
A legal challenge has been launched against the Co-operative Group's use of the Facewatch facial recognition system in 35 of its 200 convenience stores. The technology, which captures and analyzes shopper faces for biometric data, is being accused by Big Brother Watch of breaching data protection laws and potentially placing customers on unwarranted watch-lists.
-60
Provision of Repressive Technologies
May 15
The use of facial recognition technology in a consumer retail setting raises concerns over privacy and the potential for state-like surveillance practices. The legal challenge by Big Brother Watch highlights worries about data protection breaches and authoritarian oversight, thus earning a negative score under the Provision of Repressive Technologies category.
- MAR082018
The Co-operative Group has issued an apology following a regulator investigation into its treatment of suppliers. The company refunded £500,000 to 110 suppliers and initiated steps, including retraining staff and reviewing its supplier charges, to address breaches of the Groceries Supply Code of Practice.
+20
Supply Chain Ethics
May 15
The event highlights a significant remedial action by The Co-operative Group after breaching supplier treatment standards. Although the company initially fell short in its supply chain ethics by engaging in questionable practices such as inappropriate delisting and imposing extra charges, its subsequent apology, refund of £500,000 to 110 suppliers, and corrective measures such as retraining staff indicate an effort to address these issues and promote fair treatment. This corrective action is viewed positively from an anti-authoritarian and ethical business perspective.
- AUG302015
The Co-operative Group has unveiled comprehensive governance reforms aimed at democratizing its internal structures. The proposals include reducing the board size, introducing a representative council and an overseeing senate, and shifting to a 'one member one vote' model, all intended to restore the group’s health and accountability.
+80
Public and Political Behavior
May 15
The reforms aim to dismantle concentrated power by implementing democratic governance structures, such as a member-led council and senate, and instituting a 'one member one vote' system. This significantly enhances internal accountability and aligns with anti-authoritarian, pro-democratic principles.
Co-op Group to create council and senate in governance reforms
- MAY152015
At its annual general meeting in Manchester, members of The Co-operative Group voted to continue authorizing political donations of up to £1 million a year, thereby maintaining their long-standing financial support for the Labour Party and its affiliated Co-operative Party.
+50
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
May 15
The Co-operative Group’s decision to continue political donations, as approved by its members, reinforces its commitment to supporting progressive political causes, notably the Labour Party. This action aligns with anti-fascist principles by bolstering a party that historically advocates for marginalized communities and opposes authoritarian right-wing ideologies.
Co-op members to vote on traditional £1m link with Labour party
Alternatives
United Kingdom
55.76
London, United Kingdom
52.26
London, United Kingdom
43.32
Hatfield, United Kingdom
42.08
Welwyn Garden City, United Kingdom
38.17
London, United Kingdom
31.23
London, United Kingdom
26.22
Bracknell, United Kingdom
24.31
United Kingdom
23.03
London, United Kingdom
8.62
Corporate Financials
- Revenue
- 2025
- $12.00B
Industries
- 445110
- Supermarkets and Other Grocery Retailers (except Convenience Retailers)
- 812990
- All Other Personal Services
- 424320
- Men's and Boys' Clothing and Furnishings Merchant Wholesalers