By Mitch Gaynor
IT might seem like a long two years for many, but Maleny Co-Op has gone from strength-to-strength in that time.
Overcoming the devastation of Covid, it extended into the old ice cream shop around 22 months ago.
Since then it has grown its membership from 900 member/owners to now over 1,300.
“Mostly they live in the area but they also come from Brisbane to Gympie,” assistant manager Fiona said.
“Our latest survey of customers showed the main reasons for shopping here was to support a member-owned co-operative, to support local producers and organics.”
The growth of the Co-Op shows that healthy, local food is no longer a fringe interest.
“It’s really growing in popularity so we are definitely going in the right direction,” Fiona said.
The Co-Op has had a long history from its first days in 1979.
And they are set to keep creating history, with a 90-year lease on their building in the centre of Maleny.
“We do see ourselves as the heart of Maleny, working to keep the money in the area rather than seeing it go off to wealthy owners far away,” Fiona said. “Our aim is to provide quality food and sustainable goods to locals at a fair price. All surplus goes back into the co-operative.”
The Co-Op is now entering a national organic award through the Centre for Organic Research & Education.
You can vote through the QR code below for Retail Outlet of the year.
“We are itching to bring this national award home to the Glasshouse and Range area – it would recognise the hard work and talent of hundreds of people who have built the co-op to what it is today,” Fiona said.
Its AGM is on Wednesday, October 26 at 6pm in the main auditorium of the Maleny Community Centre followed by our ‘Awesome Gathering of Members’ where they will entertainment from our producers and members, a tasting plate and complimentary drink for members.
