By Peg Todloski, Specialty Department Merchandiser
We have been growing our co-op to co-op trade model over the last few years. This means buying directly from co-ops: We’ve purchased from some co-ops (such as Frontier Cooperative Herbs, Equal Exchange, Organic Valley and Once Again Nut Butters) since our very beginning in 1988, and have added many new co-ops (such as La Riojana winery, Maple Valley Cooperative, PRAGOR avocado growers, and Cabot Creamery) only recently. We participate in co-op to co-op trade when possible and when the right products, which our customers want, are available for purchase from a co-op.
We are very proud of this type of buying model for many reasons. Here are a few:
- By building a good and solid relationship with producers–the farmers and artisans who make the food we sell–we ensure product quality for our customers.
- By building relationships with other co-ops who share our values, we are supporting our own business model throughout the United States and the world.
- By buying directly from co-ops, we ensure the co-ops are paid fair prices and that they have a growing market to sell their products. Creating demand for their high-quality products at our markets keeps a secure income for the co-op members/farmers.
- By buying directly and therefore being our own distributor, we can be sure that we carry the products our customers want to buy. If there are ever issues with products or stock levels, we can work directly with the co-op to rectify any issues.
- By buying directly, we can offer products at terrific, competitive prices because there is no extra cost of buying through an outside distributor.
We are putting co-op–produced products front and center and are proud of what we are offering.