coop alimentaire

La Coop Alimentaire is a Belgian cooperative based in Wallonia Picarde that brings together bio producers and citizen-members around a short food supply chain for fresh, local fruit and vegetables. Launched in August 2022, it was created to connect producers, consumers, and collective kitchens so that seasonal produce grown in the region can reach plates with fewer intermediaries and a stronger local link. The cooperative serves a mixed customer base: collective canteens, small local and organic shops, businesses, private households, and points of sale. It positions itself as a practical local food hub that supports organic farmers, helps structure their offer, and opens new outlets for regional produce while keeping social purpose and democratic governance at the center. Key Offerings Fresh fruit and vegetables : Weekly or twice-weekly deliveries of organic fruit and vegetables from the cooperative’s regional producers, available whole or pre-cut depending on the customer’s needs. Assorted regional products : A broader selection of local products such as fruit juices, eggs, flours, and fresh or dried aromatic herbs, sourced from producers in the region. Soups and quiches : Ready-made soups and quiches prepared with organic, local vegetables, designed as healthy and tasty snack or meal options. Tailored supply for different customer types : Offerings are adapted for canteens, businesses, private customers, and retail points, with ordering and delivery organized through the cooperative’s sales system. Core Values Local and organic food : The cooperative promotes organic, seasonal products grown close to where they are consumed, with an emphasis on short supply chains and freshness. Fair remuneration : It explicitly supports the principle of a fair price for producers and seeks to organize pricing collectively with farmers. Democratic cooperation : Members participate in decisions on a one-member, one-vote basis, reflecting a cooperative model centered on people rather than capital. Sustainability and biodiversity : The cooperative links its mission to respect for soils, living ecosystems, and biodiversity, and to a more durable agricultural model. Food justice and accessibility : It aims to make healthy, local, organic food accessible to a wider public, including collective catering and potentially more vulnerable groups. Unique Aspects Producer-and-citizen cooperative model : The organization was founded by producers and citizens together, and its governance gives each cooperative member one vote regardless of the number of shares held. Regional scope in Wallonia Picarde : It operates across a broad local territory including Tournai, Ath, Mouscron, Péruwelz, Lessines, and surrounding areas, linking producers and buyers within the same region. Structured collective supply chain : The cooperative coordinates planning, pricing, and product availability among 17 producers, helping them organize a shared commercial outlet. Logistics platform development : In 2025, the cooperative acquired a logistics platform with cold rooms for storage, washing, and order preparation, supported by Walloon regional funding and citizen loans. Named partnership for prepared foods : Its soups and quiches are made in collaboration with Les Notes de mon Jardin, using part of the cooperative’s vegetables.