Suma is the UK's largest independent wholefood wholesaler/distributor, specialising in vegetarian, fairly traded, organic, ethical and natural products. They are a workers' co-operative committed to ethical business.

Workers co-operative
Unlike most UK companies, Suma operates a thoroughly democratic system of management that isn't bound by the conventional notions of hierarchy. As a workers' co-operative the business is jointly owned and managed by all. Everyone is paid the same and collectively do all the jobs that need doing, whatever they happen to be.

Buying Ethics
All products are diligently sourced; all are vegetarian and where eggs are an ingredient, they are free-range. They stock organic versions of everything they can, support fair-trade as a licensee of the Fairtrade Foundation and all bodycare, cosmetic and household products are cruelty-free.

Vegetarian
Suma are one of the few businesses in the UK that sell only vegetarian produce. You can be assured that all products are 100% vegetarian from sweets to tooth-brushes. That means no meat, no fish and no animal derived nasties like gelatin or rennet. They are also a member of the Vegetarian Society, who aide in promoting a healthy, vegetarian lifestyle.

Environment
As a distribution business Sum are acutely aware of the impact that business has on the environment at local and global levels and continually strive to keep it to a minimum.
They've been using 100% renewable electricity for ages and motion sensors switch the lights off when leaving the room. Reps share a hybrid car. They take back plastic and cardboard packaging from customers and what can't be re-use, they recycle. Food waste is composted. They plant enough trees with Treesponsibility to get carbon neutral status and have an appointed carbon champion keeping a constant eye on their footprint. They also have vehicle tracking which means every delivery mile counts.

Fair-trade
At Suma they have always acknowledged their responsibility to the people who grow the food, which is why they are a licensee of the Fairtrade Foundation. Their commitment to fair trade is not a marketing device, it is one based on a deeply held belief in a universal right to economic justice, self-empowerment and freedom from exploitation.