news
Wednesday, September 11
Celebrating 80 years of Co-operation!
This year, the Barossa Co-op celebrates 80 years of operation and as a member-owned retail co-operative, with over 21,000 members, it is proud of its achievements and looks forward to delivering its strategic plan over the next five years.
Cathy Main, CEO commented, “If we go back to 1944, when the Barossa Co-op was formed, it was on the principles and ethos of working together, co-operating for the greater good and using collective power to be a self-reliant, resilient community.
“Profits were and continue to be returned to Members and re-invested back in the business.
“Being community owned, the local community gets to influence and have control over its economic and lifestyle future. This ownership creates communal spirit and energy that supports a local circular economy.”
From humble beginnings, the Barossa Co-op has grown to be one of the Barossa Valley’s largest employers, with over 330 employees, offering career paths and developing skills within the community.
“Being community owned, the local community gets to influence and have control over its economic and lifestyle future. This ownership creates communal spirit and energy that supports a local circular economy.”
- Cathy Main
With a number of retail brands including Barossa Fresh, one of SA’s largest independent supermarkets, Mitre 10, Barossa Betta, Toyworld, Barossa Sports, Orchard Lane Womenswear, Rod and Spur Menswear, Barossa Workwear and Barossa Homewares, it also owns and operates Barossa Central, a large regional shopping centre with turnover estimated at $75 million plus.
The Barossa Co-op continues to add value to the Barossa community by way of ongoing sponsorships, free space in Barossa Central shopping centre for not-for-profit organisations to raise their own funds, and Mitre 10 community barbecues, raising funds for local charities and clubs.
“Remaining competitive and delivering brands, products and services, the Barossa community desires are critically important,” said Cathy Main.
“We not only offer our Members competitive everyday pricing, but we also provide additional savings if you are a Member.
“We regularly survey our Members to understand their changing needs and wants and we support and partner with suppliers, including 45 local suppliers, and 64 SA suppliers in Barossa Fresh supermarket alone.
“Our fresh produce is delivered direct from Pooraka markets six days a week; and Mitre 10 supports over 25 local and SA suppliers.”
