The Co-operative, the current holder of the RSPCA People’s Choice Supermarket title, is once again in the running for the prestigious award.

The retailer is encouraging its customers and members to take part in the public vote to ensure it retains the top spot in 2010. The Co-operative is among three finalists for the accolade, which is part of the annual RSPCA Good Business Awards.

This year, The Co-operative has been shortlisted because of its commitments to the Freedom Foods standard, higher-welfare poultry, free-range eggs, outdoor-reared beef and strict welfare standards for its own-brand pork. 

 The consumer-owned retailer has continued its commitment to ethical trading, extending its reach to the Somerfield stores it acquired last year.

Finalists for this coveted RSPCA award have been chosen by a panel of expert judges, based on each retailer’s commitment to achieving the highest standards of animal welfare. The other finalists for 2010 are Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose.

Sean Toal, The Co-operative Food’s Commercial Director, said: “We are very proud to have been selected, for the second year running, as a finalist for the RSPCA People’s Choice Supermarket award.

“Being shortlisted again is a fantastic endorsement of our continuing work to raise animal welfare standards and to offer higher-welfare meat and poultry products  across our enlarged estate, whilst maintaining our commitment to providing our customers with excellent quality products, great stores and value for money.  We’re hoping that our loyal customers and members will once again support us by voting for The Co-operative.”

---