Central Co-op is always keen to collaborate and cooperate with communities and fellow co-ops, and this is why it is embracing the theme of this year’s Co-op Fortnight, starting today. This year’s event is all about showing how co‑operatives offer an altogether different way to do business; to support communities; and to support people, which is at the heart of everything Central Co-op does.
Last year saw the launch of Our Malawi Partnership, on the 100th International Day of Co-operatives. The initiative supports farmers and producers in Malawi, improving livelihoods and helping strengthen trading capacity. In the spirit of Co-op Principle 6, Central Co-op is working in partnership with other Co-ops to deliver the Our Malawi Partnership initiative and worked with Creative Co-op to create the microsite for the partnership, while also collaborating closely with Co-op College to support the Malawian Federation of Cooperatives too (MAFECO).
One farmer being supported is Wellington Kapakasa, a member of the Chikwatula Macadameia Co-operative Society Limited in the Ntchisi district in Malawi. Wellington has 5 years’ experience in Macadamia farming and owns four acres of land planted with 840 macadamia trees. His greatest challenge is climate change resulting in unstable weather conditions impacting on Macadamia production. Pest and diseases also affect productivity with associated high costs of Macadamia seedling replacement.
Macadamia farming has enabled Wellington to purchase essentials such as a 3-ton truck, twelve goats and three cows. He now hopes to build a warehouse to manage his harvests more efficiently.
Co-op Fortnight also lands alongside new additions to the range for Our Malawi Partnership, like Malawian Bird’s Eye Chilli Grinders, along with Chilli & Garlic Grinders and Smokey Chilli Grinders. Customers and Members can find products from Our Malawi Partnership on the tables in-store, highlighting products like nuts, coffee, rice, tea, and more.
This Co-op Fortnight also brings 20% off selected Co-op wines in stores, celebrating the Fairtrade wines that give back to the communities, as a part of Central Co-op’s purpose of creating a sustainable Society for all, wherever they may be.
Last week Central Co-op representatives attended the Co-op Congress event in Manchester to talk about Our Malawi Partnership in a workshop, in which outgoing president Jane Avery talked about her recent trip to Malawi. As the climate emergency is arguably the greatest issue facing society today, Chief Executive Debbie Robinson also shared how co-operatives are taking collective action to respond to the impacts of climate change.
Earlier this month Central Co-op revealed the extension of Member pricing yet again, after extending the range in February to over 100 items, continuing to discount over 100 items into summer. These are all Co-op items, showcasing the best of Co-op products to Members as the Society continues to invest in Member value.
