With Co-op Fortnight fast approaching on the 19th June to 2nd July, Central Co-op reacts to this year’s theme ‘an altogether different way to do business’ by sharing the ways in which the Society stands out from the crowd in support of its communities and fellow Co-ops.
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).
The Society has recently expanded the product offering for Our Malawi Partnership by introducing Malawian Bird’s Eye Chilli Grinders, along with Chilli & Garlic Grinders and Smokey Chilli Grinders. These can now be found in stores to add extra flavour, and the birdseye chillies in the spice mix have been sourced directly from smallholder farmers in Malawi. To make them even better, the grinders are refillable, reusable, and recyclable.
At the annual Co-op Congress event in Manchester on 16th and 17th June, Central Co-op will be hosting a workshop looking back over the last year of Our Malawi Partnership, sharing knowledge with other co-operatives and inviting them to join in with the Malawi initiative. Outgoing Society President Jane Avery will also share her reflections from her recent trip to Malawi. Care for the community is a Co-operative guiding principle, and as the climate emergency is arguably the greatest issue facing society today, Chief Executive Debbie Robinson will be sharing how co-operatives are taking collective action to respond to the impacts of climate change.
This Co-op Fortnight also sees 20% off selected Co-op wines in stores from 19th June, celebrating the Fairtrade wines that give back to the communities who produce them, and all the great products from Our Malawi Partnership will be highlighted in store.
Central Co-op’s member & community relations officers are at the heart of communities, and they are showcasing the power of cooperation with several events collaborating with local groups throughout Co-op Fortnight. These include delivering a healthy choices workshop to Our Ladies Catholic School in Corby on 20th June; volunteering for litter picking in Milfield on 23rd June; revisiting the site of Saffron Brook in Leicestershire to maintain the area on 29th June; and much more.
