Context
Faced with the model of large distribution often disconnected from the territory and at prices that are not very transparent, more and more citizens are seeking to consume differently ... more local, more healthy, more ethical. And if you can do most of your shopping in one place, it's even better!
Project
Inspired by Park Slope Food Coop (https://www.foodcoop.com/) which has existed since 1973 in New York, the Bordeaux project was developed in 2014 and the store opened its doors in 2016. The principle is simple: in exchange for 3 hours of volunteer work per month, members of the cooperative have access to quality products at affordable prices. One of Supercoop’s primary objectives is to make healthy, high-quality food accessible to as many people as possible, at prices 20 to 40% cheaper than those of conventional supermarkets. How? By getting closer to local producers and reducing the number of intermediaries. Thus, the cooperative manages to offer reduced and transparent margins, and fair remuneration to producers and manufacturers of food products.
Project leaders
The association Les Amis de Supercoop carried the project until the cooperative was created. Crowdfunding and also public subsidies have enabled this cooperative supermarket to see the light of day. Today, it is aiming for financial equilibrium, thanks to the shares bought by the cooperative members and to self-service sales.
The Little Extra
The cooperative does not just offer its members mostly organic and local products; it also offers a range of services: daycare, entertainment in the neighborhood, documentary evenings, food debates, or even cooking workshops.
Written by Enora Bétaux, LFC volunteer - November 2018.
Last modification : 07 Apr 2020.
Supercoop
A cooperative of consumers, belonging to its members, who decide to give 3 hours per month in exchange for excellent quality products that they will pay 20 to 40% cheaper than elsewhere, on a range of 3000 products that members will have choose together.