Essential Trading Co-operative Ltd
Essential Trading is a local worker co-operative established in 1971. At Essential we strive towards creating a truly ethical company, and believe this has a positive impact along the entire food chain.
We wholesale, manufacture and distribute organic and whole foods across the UK and beyond. Over 6000 lines of healthy options, quality nutrition and products that all make a real difference.
The Essential brand contains no colours, flavours or modifiers. Our tinned pulses contain no sugar or salt, our fruits are packed in fruit juice, our muesli is made with 100% whole ingredients. Everything is traceable, wholesome, packed with goodness and nothing else. Look out for the Essential brand in your local health food shop (but not in supermarkets). Essential is a guaranteed 100% vegetarian and vegan company and all our suppliers sign a non-GMO declaration.
We pride ourselves in bringing ethical alternatives and fair-trade products rapidly to the marketplace and have gained full (Organic, Demeter, Fairtrade) accreditation to pack commodities in our purpose-built facility here in Bristol. We quality control all of the ingredients that we mix and pack and our staff are experienced, knowledgeable and passionate about the foods we sell. Food You Can Trust – is Essential.
Ethical and Environmental Policy
With a turnover of approximately £12 million and employing around 85 people we are one of the largest successful worker co-operatives in the country. Proud of our social enterprise roots we aim to be a model employer and strive to apply our ethical beliefs inside Essential as well as in the local community and out in the wider marketplace.
Co-operative values are obviously based on long-term thinking and holistic goals. A vegetarian workplace and company, we pursue the goal of equality for all people, respect for our fellow creatures and the promotion of sustainable methods to minimise environmental impact. We actively avoid exploitative practices by sourcing, promoting and marketing ethical alternatives where possible, soundly based on the 7 principles of co-operation. We have equal opportunity policies, employ a wide spectrum of workers from many backgrounds and work to fully support personal growth as a standard part of our member's employment package.
We strive to be an exemplary model of the way ethical businesses can and should make a real difference.
Essential Trading Co-operative Ltd is listed in the following categories
Food & Drink / Vegetarian and VeganFood & Drink / Food
Member Posts
Essential Awarded Several Ethical Consumer Best Buy LabelsESSENTIAL TRADING SWITCHES TO SOLAR POWER
Essential Hosts Co-Op Briefings
Essential Trading Celebrates Ruby Anniversary
Essential Vegan Pesto Wins Award
ESSENTIAL CHRISTMAS INGREDIENTS
Top Chefs Support Healthy Eating Fortnight
Nuts, Rice and Baked Beans Buck The Trend
