Co-op history

The Co-op Group has its origins in the co-operative consumer societies started by the Rochdale Pioneers.

In 1863, independent co-op societies formed The Co-operative Wholesale Society (CWS). They provided Co-op products to sell in hundreds of Co-op stores.

Over the next century, CWS went through many changes and eventually became The Co-operative Group.

Along the way, we’ve stayed committed to doing the right thing. We’ve become the largest convenience seller of Fairtrade products. And we’ve even helped change the law, to help protect all retail staff.