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Co-operative Group

1 Angel Square, Manchester, M60 0AG, United Kingdom

Overview

The Co-operative Group is the UK’s largest mutual business, owned by over seven million consumer members. The Group operates 4,800 retail trading outlets, employs more than 100,000 people and has an annual turnover of more than £13bn. Whether it's a drop of milk for your morning cuppa, a little friendly advice because your back's playing up again, or a helping hand onto the property ladder, we're here for you. With over 5,000 high street branches we're only ever just down the road, at the end of a phone or a click away. So whatever it is, however big or small, we're happy to help. We don't answer to shareholders, we answer to you. Unlike most businesses, we're owned by our members - all 7.2 million of them. We're not a plc, so we can fight for the good of our members and customers. Anyone can join The Co-operative, you can become a member online now or just pick up a leaflet in store. As a member, you'll not only have a say in the way we are run, but also get a share in our profits, as a big thank you for shopping with us. Originally formed in Rochdale in 1844 to offer real value to the community, 168 years on and our founding principles still stand. The world may have changed somewhat in those years but the need for a more ethical business, a more honest one and a more customer focussed one clearly hasn't. We're here for you in good and bad times. We're here for you for life.

Total investments
1
Lead investments
1
Investments · 12mo
0
Active investors
7

Sector focus

  • Consumer
  • E-Commerce
  • Retail
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Investment portfolio

  • Tereos

    Led · Equity · Jan 2024

    Ensemble, launched by Tereos in 2022, produces vegan-certified meat alternatives (sautés, tenders, medallions, strips) using only five ingredients: wheat protein, chickpeas, sunflower oil, potato fiber, and vegetable stock. Its products are positioned as clean-label, a source of fiber, low in saturated fats, and affordable, with 80% of ingredients sourced from French raw materials and 90% of its wheat from Alsace. The brand reported a 50% sales growth in 2023 and is targeting a tenfold increase in sales over the next five years. Ensemble plans several 2024 product innovations, including a new dough recipe for lighter colour and taste, ready-to-use sauce dishes, and fish alternatives. To capture international demand it has established a presence in Chicago and aims to double revenue outside the EU from 30% to 60% by 2028, with further expansion into Asia planned. Ensemble leverages the support and expertise of the Tereos Group, noted in the article as the second largest global producer of wheat proteins.

Team

  • Jackie Belcher

    Commissioning and Planning Manager

    LinkedIn
  • Claire Costello

    Chief Procurement Officer

    LinkedIn
  • Danielle Haugedal-Wilson

    Head Of Engineering

    LinkedIn
  • Samantha Tyrer

    Managing Director

    LinkedIn