ST. PAUL, MN - Consumers want to know where their food comes from, especially when it has to do with the fresh products found in the grocery store. National Co+op Grocers (NCG), a business services cooperative for retail food co-ops throughout the United States, prioritizes a commitment to local produce that truly sets its stores apart.
“NCG member co-ops work extensively with area growers throughout the year to plan for crop availability and what produce is promotable, and when,” Joshua Crone, NCG’s Retail Programming Senior Manager: Produce, began telling me. “Our farmer partners, in many cases, represent years of relationships that have been cultivated in the community. While each co-op has a different cohort of growers, with different crops and seasonal availability, I would say all co-ops are united in trying to feature as much local produce as possible, as prominently throughout the produce department as is feasible.”
By closely following seasonality in partnership with growers, NCG member co-ops are able to ensure a consistent and high-quality supply of local produce.
“We don't seek 52-week local coverage for a given commodity from our local growers. We take into account the seasons and seek to support our growers when their crops are most abundant and at their peak. So, let's say we have a great local apple grower. It's okay if that grower can only supply us in the autumn, or until their supplies are exhausted. We try to uplift that grower as much as possible during the appropriate season and then pivot to other suppliers for a given commodity once local supplies dwindle for the year,” Joshua continued.
He emphasized this point when I asked Joshua how such a dedicated focus on local produce sets NCG co-ops apart from other retail formats.
“Many food retailers rely on predictable, 52-week supply programs, often partnering with larger grower-packer-shippers to maintain consistent availability year-round. This approach plays an important role in the industry, and to provide even more value in the supply chain, NCG places a strong emphasis on supporting seasonal peak flavor and regional growers whenever possible,” Joshua explained. “Working with multiple local producers requires more coordination and hands-on effort. This is a labor of love, however, and our commitment to the local foodscape compels us to do everything we can to support our local farmers. This is core to our cooperative values.”
On a final note, Joshua pointed out the effectiveness of co-op supply chain resiliency.
“Look at the supply chain resiliency co-ops were able to depend on during the COVID pandemic. Food co-ops were able to keep people fed to a much larger extent than some others by virtue of our reliance on our local growers and suppliers. Our commitment to local produce transcends several of our cooperative principles, and in the end, it's the right thing to do for a million reasons,” he concluded.
In this industry, we know shoppers are loyal to retailers who meet their specific needs, and those looking for high-quality seasonal and local produce will find it with National Co+op Grocers.
