Seattle, Washington, May 21, 2008 — Central Co-op’s Madison Market will discontinue stocking Coca-Cola-owned products, including: Odwalla, Glaceau Smartwater and Vitaminwater, and Honest Tea.
The Co-op believes that Coca-Cola and similar transnational corporations are part of an economic model that inevitably prizes property rights over human rights, damages local economies, and prioritizes profit over fulfilling true human needs.
The Co-op recognizes that, under current economic and supply conditions, it is not possible to solely stock products believed to be pure and produced by companies thought socially responsible. However, the Co-op is committed to monitoring its inventory, preferring products that complement our values.
Central Co-op’s Madison Market encourages member-owners and customers to make informed decisions about the food they eat and the practices they support; therefore, we will make prominent alternatives to Coca-Cola products.
Members of the media, member-owners, and customers, contact: cooperative advancement director Gavin Morgan or telephone 206.329.1545 for more information.
I’m actually really glad to see this happening. Columbia Valley is a better option anyway (still organic, but also local!).
That’s a little odd, given that Coke doesn’t own or even have a controlling share of Honest Tea (they recently bought 40% of the company, to be precise). I really like Honest Teas (they’re yummy, organic, and nicely not too sweet), so I think that’s kind of a shame.
Jason relishes his ability to understand companies and their respective ethoses. Therefore, effective immediately, Jason would like to announce that Jason will only shop at stores that stock a full range of products from companies across the political spectrum.
Jason understands that other consumers may not share his own personal views, but Jason expects that those consumers will inform themselves without having to rely on local merchants to do their thinking for them.
Members of the media who would like to do a story on Jason may contact his press office.