Presidency Meets Społem

The Presidency had its first meeting for 2023 in Warsaw, Poland, hosted by the National Supervision Union of Consumer Co-operatives (Społem). This was the occasion to have a working meeting with our Board member – Ryszard Jaśkowski, Społem President and Euro Coop Board member, to learn about the activities and priorities of the Polish consumer co-operatives. It was also the opportunity to explore possibilities to aid Coop Ukraine by purchasing power generators – a mission for which Społem gave their unconditional support.

The presidency was addressed by Dr. Mieczyslaw Grodzki, President of the Polish apex National Cooperative Council and Cooperatives Europe Board member. He provided the key data on the Polish co-operative movement and reaffirmed their conviction of the need of a strong and consolidated co-operative movement representing our shared democratic values and principles.

The presidency members visited two co-operative stores of different formats. The first was a gallery complex – the Hale Mirowskie (Mirów Market Halls) and the second was a convenience store in the modern shopping centre Universam Grochów (WSS Społem Universam). What was particularly impressive was that Społem Poland owns both. It is impressive to note that the Market Halls, with their two enclosed food halls and markets, are a historic landmark building of 124 years. The building was renovated and refurbished ten years ago, costing close to € 3 million.

In 2022, Społem received the “Retail Champion - Chosen by Consumers” Award as a special distinction by their consumers for Spolem’s various formats and presence in the local market.