The Co-op news and analysis
The Co-op is a British convenience retailer with more than 2,500 stores, known for its member-owned business model. It runs a membership scheme that rewards shoppers and supports local causes. The Grocer covers the Co-op with news, analysis, insight and opinion, including developments in store formats, sustainability initiatives, and competitive positioning.
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NewsCo-op sets sights on 100 franchise sites as expansion accelerates
The convenience retailer said franchise stores enabled it to ‘bring the benefits of membership to new and diverse communities’
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NewsSouthern Co-op expands partnership with Snappy Shopper
The society has now rolled out the home delivery service to 140 stores, which represents around 80% of its food estate
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NewsSouthern Co-op members overwhelmingly back merger plans
A vote at a Special General Meeting held today saw 97.07% of Southern Co-op members backing the plans
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Comment & OpinionSouthern Co-op’s merger must go ahead if it is to adapt and survive
Without intervention, Southern Co-op would likely not be able to continue trading in its current form, say CEO Ben Stimson and chair Janet Paraskeva
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Comment & OpinionSouthern Co-op’s dismissal of OurCoop raises big questions
I first noticed there was a problem with Southern Co-op in early March, when staff told me they no longer supplied the 20p bags. If you are cutting costs at the sharp end, there is a problem, says Tom Blair, a former director of Southern Co-op
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NewsCo-op raises concerns over food security as imported meat soars
The amount of meat imported into the UK amounted to £5bn last year, a rise of 15% year on year
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Comment & OpinionEditor’s picks: Southern Co-op merger latest, whisky tariffs, election promises
In the latest chapter of grocery’s very own soap opera, Southern Co-op has rejected an approach from the UK’s largest independent co-operative society, OurCoop, which appeared to offer an alternative to its proposed merger with the Co-op Group
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NewsSouthern Co-op dismisses partnership approach from OurCoop
OurCoop made an initial approach to Southern on 20 April in a letter to Southern Co-op chair Janet Paraskeva from OurCoop president Elaine Dean and CEO Debbie Robinson
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NewsLidl matches Morrisons in grocery market share again
Lidl’s sales rose by 8.8% year on year in the 12 weeks to 19 April 2026, to put it again level in market share with Morrisons
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Range PreviewMortadella & mascarpone focaccia and pickle crisps: Co-op summer food-to-go range 2026
Co-op is adding 21 new lines to its summer 2026 food-to-go range, including 10 new mains and 11 new snacks for its lunchtime meal deal
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NewsSouthern Co-op warns of insolvency without merger
If members vote ‘no’, Southern Co-op said an external administrator would be appointed
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NewsCo-op Wholesale debuts revamped trade show one year on from Nisa rebrand
More than 100 suppliers exhibited their products, which collectively offered 300 on-the-day exclusive deals for attending retailers
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NewsFormer Co-op quick commerce chief lands role at last-mile platform Bringg
‘Chris built one of the UK’s most successful delivery operations as a Bringg customer and decided to come over and build it for others’
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NewsCo-op pauses recruitment for next Apiary incubator cohort
Co-op has put plans for the next intake of its Apiary incubator programme on ice, shelving a key route to market for new small food brands
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NewsHeart of England Co-op rolls out tech to manage bakery and food to go production
The tech shows staff what items to bake and when to make them, supported with preparation instructions on tablet devices
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Comment & OpinionEditor’s picks: The ceasefire, retail crime, and the Co-op merger
Keeping up with the latest developments on the Iran war feels like a job in its own right, and how much relief the 14-day ceasefire will actually bring to UK consumers and grocery businesses remains uncertain at best
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Comment & OpinionWill the Iran-US ceasefire help to bring down soaring prices?
The jury is out on what the ceasefire will mean for global fuel, oil, and food & drink prices”
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Comment & OpinionWhy the Co‑op merger matters – and the timing speaks volumes
Co-op has faced a whirlwind of problems recently, but the merger isn’t necessarily a knee-jerk reaction
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NewsCo-op Group and Southern Co-op to join forces in landmark merger
The boards of Co-op Group and Southern Co-op have proposed to join forces in a landmark merger
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NewsLA Foods extends contract with Co-op Wholesale for five more years
The convenience retailer, which operates 13 Nisa stores across London, said the extension meant it could continue benefiting from Co-op Wholesale’s competitive pricing, availability, and own-brand range