Co-op has become the first retailer in the UK to commit to sourcing 100% of its fresh-cut roses from Fairtrade-certified farms.
This achievement coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Fairtrade mark, marking a significant milestone for both the retailer and the ethical trade movement.
A major seller of Fairtrade flowers
As the largest seller of Fairtrade flowers in the UK, Co-op sold more than 71 million Fairtrade flower stems in 2023.
The roses, sourced from Fairtrade-certified farms in Kenya and Ecuador, are a reflection of the company’s ongoing commitment to both Fairtrade standards and the quality of its flower offerings.
The retailer’s shift to exclusively offering Fairtrade roses includes the introduction of a new packaging design. Featuring the slogan 'a whole bunch fairer', the packaging highlights the positive social and environmental impact of the switch.
The Fairtrade rose range includes options such as Fairtrade Roses at £5.50 ($7.19), Rose Posy at £3.00, and Rose & Lily at £6.00.
Empowering flower workers globally
Sales of Co-op’s Fairtrade roses contribute to social and community programmes worldwide, including the Inua Dada initiative.
This programme, which is run in partnership with Co-op’s flower supplier Flamingo, supports nearly 5,000 female flower farm workers in Kenya.
It focuses on diversity, inclusion, and economic empowerment, offering training to help improve the confidence and visibility of women in the industry.
Co-op has long been a supporter of Fairtrade, having first introduced Fairtrade roses in 2012. Since then, it has expanded its Fairtrade offerings, converting all African-sourced roses in its bouquets to Fairtrade terms by 2018.
New Fairtrade flower range introduced
As part of the latest announcement, Co-op has also enhanced its Fairtrade flower offerings. The retailer has improved its Fairtrade Luxury Rose Bouquet (£15.00) by adding spray roses and asparagus fern.
Two new premium mixed Fairtrade bouquets, including the Fairtrade Elegance Bouquet priced at £10.00, have also been introduced.
This move reaffirms Co-op’s commitment to ethical sourcing and to improving working conditions for flower farm workers.
