Tell the World You Own It

You may be surprised by all the types of co-ops around you. From groceries to health care, co-ops are a vital part of everyday life for people all over the globe. Consider the cup of coffee you enjoyed at breakfast. It was likely purchased from a coffee grower co-op in Africa or Central America. Or the light fixture you’re standing under might be powered with electricity from a co-op owned by people in your community.

A co-op is a business model that allows a group of people to combine their resources to meet their common needs. Grocery co-ops are one such kind of co-op. They are the true pioneers of the natural and organic food industry and they’re deeply committed to providing delicious, high quality, healthy food; supporting local, sustainable agriculture; and strengthening their communities. Cooperatives, including grocery co-ops, are much more than bricks and mortar stores. Cooperatives are built on the idea that local owners, not far-away investors, gain the benefits of business success. Simply put, cooperation is for everyone.

Many co-ops start small, with a primary focus on providing goods and services to their member-owners. But that doesn't mean you have to be a member-owner at all co-ops. Nearly all grocery co-ops, for example, welcome members and non-members alike.


The co-op way of doing business is to be open, fair, and democratic. That’s not just marketing speak, either. These concepts are based on a set of seven guidelines called the International Cooperative Principles that serve as the standards for how we operate.

Food co-ops demonstrate their commitment to these principles every day, by promoting a safe and sustainable food system and partnering with individuals and organizations to improve our neighborhoods. After all is said and done, when the co-op makes money, members determine how profits get used. No big box retailer is going to give local shoppers that much decision-making power. These values and principles are common to all co-ops, whether they are in business to offer electricity, insurance, or groceries.

Cooperation is such a powerful positive force that 2012 was designated the International Year of Cooperatives by the United Nations in recognition of the influence of cooperatives worldwide. Thousands of co-ops from all over the world joined together to say loud and proud how local ownership is making life better.

Statement on the Co-operative Identity







The International Cooperative Principles were last revised in 1995 by the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) as part of the Statement on the Cooperative Identity. They are as follows:

  1. Voluntary and Open Membership
  2. Democratic Member Control
  3. Member Economic Participation
  4. Autonomy and Independence
  5. Education, Training and Information
  6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives
  7. Concern for Community