Daily Bread Co-operative Ethical Purchasing Policy

Our Purpose

At Daily Bread Co-operative, we believe every purchase is an opportunity to support a fairer, healthier and more sustainable food system.

As a worker co-operative, we aim to stock products that reflect our values while offering quality, affordability and choice for our customers.

Our purchasing decisions are guided by positive principles.

Our Principles

When selecting products and suppliers, we will seek to support those that demonstrate one or more of the following:

• Fair treatment of workers throughout the supply chain.

• Environmentally responsible production and distribution.

• Organic farming and sustainable agricultural practices.

• Fairtrade and fairly traded products where appropriate.

• Vegetarian and vegan food choices.

• Minimal, recyclable or compostable packaging.

• Refill and low-waste shopping opportunities.

• Independent producers, co-operatives and social enterprises.

• High product quality and good value.

• Transparency about sourcing and ingredients.

Factors We Consider

Our buying decisions take into account:

• Product quality.

• Customer demand.

• Price and value.

• Availability and reliability of supply.

• Environmental impact.

• Ethical credentials.

• Packaging.

• Food safety and legal compliance.

• Support for local producers where practical.

Products We Do Not Normally Stock

As part of our long-standing values, Daily Bread does not normally stock:

• Meat and meat products.

• Products that conflict with our ethical principles or legal obligations.

• Products where we have significant concerns regarding quality, safety or traceability.

• We will not knowingly stock any product that contains GMO’s

• We do not stock Oatly, Ecover, Pukka teas and other brands we have concerns on their corporate ownership, trading ethics, or other reasons

• We will not knowingly stock any product that is from Israel

Review and Dialogue

We recognise that information and circumstances can change over time. If a supplier, manufacturer or country connected with one of our purchasing decisions wishes to provide further information or demonstrate changes in its practices, we are happy to listen and review our position in good faith.

Where appropriate, we will consider evidence, engage in constructive dialogue and amend our decisions if we believe it is consistent with our ethical principles and the interests of the co-operative.

On significant ethical issues, we may also seek the views of our customers and members, recognising that Daily Bread Co-operative exists to serve its community. Their opinions are an important part of our decision making process, alongside the available evidence and our co-operative values.

Working With Suppliers

We value long-term relationships with suppliers who share our commitment to ethical trading.

We encourage suppliers to:

• Reduce unnecessary packaging.

• Improve environmental performance.

• Increase transparency around sourcing.

• Work collaboratively on product development and customer education.

• Promote products responsibly.

Continuous Improvement

We recognise that no supplier is perfect. Rather than applying rigid rules, we seek continual improvement and constructive dialogue.

Where concerns arise, we will:

1. Seek further information.

2. Discuss the issue with the supplier where appropriate.

3. Consider whether improvements are being made.

4. Review whether the product continues to meet our purchasing principles.

Transparency

We welcome feedback from customers, members, staff and suppliers regarding products we stock.

Where questions arise about a product or supplier, we will consider the available evidence carefully and review our purchasing decisions where appropriate.

Review

This policy will be reviewed periodically by the worker members to ensure it continues to reflect the values and objectives of Daily Bread Co-operative.