Euro Coop Board Meeting in Turin: Celebrating 170 Years of Co-operation in Italy

On 7 November, the Euro Coop board meeting in Turin provided delegates with a chance to reflect on the impact of consumer co-operatives in Italy and Europe, as well as to witness the visionary work of Coop Italia. The gathering set the stage for the "Coop for Future" Conference on the following day, marking the 170th anniversary of the first co-operative store in Italy – a legacy that began in 1854 with the establishment of the "Magazzino di previdenza" in Turin.

The Board gathered in a hybrid format and provided a valuable platform for members to engage in meaningful discussions on EU policy developments, current initiatives, and strategic planning for Euro Coop’s activities in 2025 and beyond. Key topics focused on strengthening advocacy efforts and enhancing collaboration within Brussels to address emerging challenges and boost the visibility of the co-operative movement across Europe. 

The discussion centred around the interim results of the strategic review which the association is currently carrying out. Members reiterated their commitment to stronger co-operation with one another in specific thematic areas. The secretariat confirmed that the consultation with members shall endure until the end of November, after which the gathered feedback shall form the basis for new and optimised existing workstreams aimed at upscaling member co-operation on the set list of common priorities. 

Ample focus was given to the EU policy update and the outlook of the agri-food and retail perspective in the new EU Commission, which is currently taking shape. Key priority areas for Euro Coop’s advocacy are calling for less administrative burden, increased policy coherence and legislation based on appropriate impact assessments to ensure it better reflects the reality on the ground. 

Members discussed the preparations for the International Year of Co-operatives - 2025 with coherent and pro-active communications policy. The secretariat presented the action plan to emphasise the role of consumer co-operatives in building a better world through sustainable initiatives, social responsibility and consumer empowerment. But also, the campaign aims to engage members around raising awareness and increasing the public understanding of co-operatives’ role in creating a more stable, fair and sustainable world. 

The program provided Euro Coop delegates with the opportunity to visit three Coop Italia stores in the Turin area, each highlighting Coop’s commitment to sustainable practices, community connections, and innovation in retail.

The first visit was to a Coop Italia Superstore, a 10,000-square-meter space designed to offer a community-centered shopping experience. This store includes a central bar, bakery, and deli area, where freshly cooked Coop products and artisanal sourdough bread are available. Its main area features wooden shelving and traditional floor tiles, paying homage to the local style and creating a welcoming atmosphere. With annual sales of €20 million and 100 employees, the Superstore focuses on Coop’s own-brand products, embodying a “buy and eat” concept that allows shoppers to enjoy freshly prepared meals on-site.

The second stop was at a larger Ipercoop, an ipermarket with a remarkable turnover of €40 million and a workforce of around 200 people. This location integrates advanced technology, featuring electronic labels and self-service checkouts for an efficient, modern shopping experience. Showcasing 5,000 Coop-branded products, the hypermarket offers numerous options at highest quality and competitive prices. 

The final stop was Coop Italia’s flagship store, a showcase for the Fior Fiore brand (Coop Italia’s premium line). Spanning three floors, this store emphasizes exclusive Fior Fiore products and offers an upscale shopping experience with an in-store bistro, cafeteria and restaurant. This concept, featuring products exclusively from the own-brand Fior Fiore, has proven popular, as shown by increasing sales, and serves as a testament to Coop Italia’s capacity to innovate and appeal to diverse consumer preferences. The Turin store is the first and only so far, but future locations are planned. 

The next day’s "Coop for future" conference focused on the themes of tradition, community, and innovation demonstrated in the store visits. Hosted by the National Association of Consumer Cooperatives (ANCC-Coop), the conference celebrated Coop’s 170-year legacy, with leaders from three continents participating. Coop Italia President Maura Latini presented a powerful symbol of this heritage—a shopping cart with a globe, representing the global values of cooperation that have driven Coop’s growth and impact.

The conference welcomed international speakers from across the globe, each bringing a unique perspective on the role of consumer cooperatives in today’s world. From Argentina, Héctor Jacquet, General Manager of Cooperativa Obrera, shared insights into their approach to social responsibility and community-building through cooperatives. Dominic Kendal-Ward from the Co-op Group in the United Kingdom emphasized the importance of cooperative identity and the growing desire among young people for businesses rooted in shared values and transparency. Representing Japan, Toshio Tsuchiya of the Japanese Consumers' Co-operative Union discussed the cooperative movement’s role in supporting an aging population and promoting sustainability in local communities. Mikel Larrea from Spain’s Eroski highlighted the role of cooperatives in addressing inequality and building strong local ties, while Jan Madsen of Denmark's Lobyco-Coop underscored the need for digital transformation to meet the expectations of today’s consumers. These diverse voices underscored the global relevance of cooperatives in tackling social and economic challenges through innovation, inclusivity, and a strong commitment to member and community welfare.

This meeting and celebration not only honored Coop’s past but also laid a meaningful foundation for its future, showcasing the enduring relevance and potential of the cooperative model.