Central Co-Op has partnered with Oxfam to sell an extended range of ethically produced and sourced products in the convenience retailer’s stores across the UK.
The partnership, which will see Central Co-op selling the charity’s ‘Sourced by Oxfam’ products, aims to provide customers with more choice about what they buy. The aim is to continue rolling out the range of ethical products to more shops in the coming years.
The move follows a recent trial which saw the companies working together to sell Oxfam’s limited edition Pride products, and comes in the wake of increased demand for fairtrade and ethically sourced goods.
As well as maintaining its focus on ethically sourced goods, the retailer – which recently rebranded from Central England Co-operative to become Central Co-op – plans to achieve a 90% reduction in its carbon footprint by 2030.
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“[We are] pleased to introduce Oxfam to our stores, which initially landed in ten sites across our trading estate at the end of April,” said head of development Jamie Thompson.
“Diversity and inclusion are core to Central Co-op’s culture as it enables us to truly represent colleagues and the communities we serve.”
“Our partnership with Oxfam makes good business sense for us and also supports the excellent work the charity delivers across the globe, which aligns with our purpose of creating a sustainable society for all,” he said, adding that the convenience retailer is “keen to explore other ways we can grow our relationship with Oxfam for the future.”
Oxfam business development manager Denis Goulding said he was “thrilled” to partner with Central Co-op to spread the message of ethical shopping and support local producers and artisans from across the globe.
“The partnership between Sourced by Oxfam and Central Co-Op has been a natural fit, as both organisations put ethical sourcing at the centre of their buying principles,” he said.
Items including birdhouse balls, sari bags and rugs, as well as essential oil gift sets and bee themed garden products will all be available in selected supermarkets and convenience stores.
