Noreen Lanigan, Paris Office, Bord Bia – Irish Food Board

40 years after the first food coop, Park Slope Food Coop , opened in New York, food-conscious Parisians have the opportunity to join the first Parisian food coop since post-war days, La Louve , which has opened on a trial basis in the city since November 2016, currently offering approximately 2000 SKUs . Over time they aim to stock 3000 – 4000 SKUs and promise to cap their margins at 20% to cover overheads.

Only shareholders can shop in La Louve; shares cost €100 per person and all shareholders must complete a half day training course and commit to doing three hours voluntary work per month in the store. This includes unloading delivering trucks, stocking shelves etc. The store is a non-profit co-op and aims to offer the best of seasonal food, organic where possible, 15-40% cheaper than their mainstream competitors but still paying a fair price to the producers. It’s not surprising that it’s an American expat, Tom Boothe, who launched this concept which now has 4,500 shareholders some of whom invested in the coop over two years before the trial opening. The founder describes the store as a working class luxury, offering sustainable quality fair trade products that they shareholders have pre-selected themselves.

According to supermarche-cooperatifs.fr there are now 18 food coops across France, including Superquinquin in Lille, Supercoop in Bordeaux, Scopeli in Nantes, La Cagette in Montpellier, La Couette Coop in Toulouse etc , reflecting a new wave of consumer consciousness and empowerment, and a growing demand for sustainable local food.

Yesterday the US multiple Costco opened its first store in the Parisian suburbs and it’s worth noting they have only recruited a third of their membership target of 30,000, although they only charge €36 for their annual membership card and have no volunteer work requirement. Please contact Bord Bia’s Paris office for further information on both of these new retail trends.