Untitled - Portail de Coopération des Acteurs de l` ESS Almeria

This document is realized in the frame of the European Cooperation in Social Economy, project which is
led by the CRES Limousin in partnership with the Regions of Ravenne in Italia and Almeria in Spain.
This project aims to identify good practices of the social economy actors regarding:
-
Sustainable consumption
Participative housing
Democratic governance
Social economy actors networks
Coop Atlantique is a consumers’ cooperative, member of the CRES Limousin. Coop Atlantique is
currently conducting an analysis in its « Cooperative life » commission, directly linked with the object of
the European Cooperation, and is involved in a process of sustainable consumption and animation of
local cooperative life.
The European cooperation project aims also to highlight these actions and to offer time for debates and
exchanges with partners.
This document aims to present a brief survey of the main supply chains of local products in the Coop
Atlantique, and the different aspects of its cooperative and democratic life.
This presentation is realized for the members of the European cooperation project, as well as
cooperative members and potential cooperative members of the Coop Atlantique. It aims
 To identify good practices in the Coop Atlantique in order to highlight them in the Guide realized
for the European Cooperation project.
 To inform the members of the project, European partners, cooperative members, and to draw
up a survey to facilitate exchange on the European cooperation topics of interest.
 Identify the leads to explore, for example the role played by the members of the cooperative,
and the inter-cooperation (partnership between cooperatives of different sectors of activities)
Context .................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Objectives ................................................................................................................................................................ 2
Table of contents ..................................................................................................................................................... 3
1.
The journey of a local product in the Coop Atlantique ............................................................................. 4
STEP 1: Discovering the product ........................................................................................................................ 4
STEP 2: Quantities and supply regularity............................................................................................................ 5
STEP 3: Referencing a product .......................................................................................................................... 5
STEP 4: Logistics ................................................................................................................................................ 6
STEP 5: Visibility of local products ...................................................................................................................... 7
Examples of local products ................................................................................................................................. 7
2. Consumption, cooperative life and democracy .............................................................................................. 8
How to stay informed about one’s cooperative ................................................................................................... 8
AACC and Coop Evasion .................................................................................................................................... 9
Circles of Cooperative members ......................................................................................................................... 9
The cooperative member’s account .................................................................................................................. 10
3. Several options to explore … ......................................................................................................................... 10
Producers’ cooperatives .................................................................................................................................... 10
Consumers - members of the cooperative ........................................................................................................ 10
A real option: « farming baskets » in the Coop Atlantique’s stores ................................................................... 10
Appendix: list of local products in the U express store in Aixe-sur-Vienne ............................................................ 11
In the local U-Coop Atlantique1 store, it is possible to find local products such as goat cheese, local
fruits and vegetables, groceries as well as limousin cola and hygiene products. Coop Atlantique offers
23% to 30% of regional products in its products list.
But several steps are necessary to add these products in the Coop Atlantique stores.
The local producer has several possibilities to display his products. He may present it at the Regional
Suppliers Exhibition of Coop Atlantique, or show it directly to the store manager.
Regional Suppliers
Exhibition of Coop
Atlantique
Local
Producer
Twice a year
Inscription in a
catalogue in which
store managers may
select the desired
products
Contact with the
store manager, for a
direct delivery at the
store
Local
Producer
Store manager
Ex. local beekeeper
contacts the « Super
U Ambazac »
Notice
In both cases, the products have to be referenced by the Coop Atlantique. In order to be displayed in
the Catalogue of regional suppliers, local producers must be able to produce enough to supply several
stores. There’s also an entrance fee for the inscription in the catalogue and the exhibition.
1
Coop Atlantique is working with “System U”, retailers’ cooperative, for the main supplies
The qualities of the local product or its proximity are not the only requested conditions for local products
to be displayed in Coop Atlantique stores. A great majority of consumers keep buying low-priced
products and need to find every type of product at every moment of the year. Hence, the local
production has advantages and drawbacks for the retailer.
Quality and freshness of the product
pros
Ex.
Respect of the environment, respect of seasonality
Irregularity of quantities produced and seasonality:
consumers ask for tomatoes in winter
Market
gardening
Notice
cons
Logistic difficulties for the producer, packaging
norms, irregular-sized products
Few market gardeners in the territories, small
available quantities
It is complicated for a store manager to reconcile the necessary order to the warehouse in order to keep
the shelves supplied with fruits and vegetables, and his will to introduce local producers. Most of the
time, producers are requested to refill the shelves, as a complement, when the store is out of stock.
Before selling the product in store, it needs to be referenced. This enables the identification of the
product; ensure its traceability, quality and respect of hygiene and sanitary norms.
.
Filling in referencing form and testing
products
Upgrading to standards
Local producer
Quality and hygiene control, audits several times a year
Notice
Tests on products stay at the charge of producers and are expensive for small producers, even if they
guarantee their quality. It might be felt as an impediment for local producers.
Prices are negotiated with the purchasing division of the Coop Atlantique, at the head office in Saintes.
As for every retailers chain, difficulties exist in the negotiation of a « fair price » between the producer
and distributor. Given that this price stems from the number of intermediaries, negotiating directly with
local producers helps attaining this fair price.
Logistics plays also an important role in the environmental process, which must be taken into account
when taking about sustainable consumption. It might be a real impediment to the insertion of local
product in stores, as it represents a real cost for producers.
Other
stores
At Coop Atlantique, we can identify two ways to deliver local products:
Delivery
Directly
Warehouse
The producer might
deliver directly to
the store due to his
proximity / or
because the store
is on his distribution
route
U – Coop Atlantique
store
The quantities produced
are big enough to be
stored in a warehouse,
warehouse that delivers a
series of stores. The
storage implies a specific
packaging and respecting
a series of norms.
Ex. Direct delivery from The Laiterie des Fayes (milk, cream, yoghurt)
Ex. Bessines’ slaughterhouse delivers the Super U Ambazac
Ex. The market gardener Thévenin delivers the Super U Limoges - rue de Nexon
Notice
Coop Atlantique gets its supplies today from System U for its main stock of fruits and vegetables
(knowing that System U is also in a process of introducing local producers). Ex. The Limdor apple
(grown in Limousin) is now delivered directly to System U, which reships to Coop Atlantique
System U prepares
Coop Atlantique’s
order
U Warehouse
Nantes - Carquefou
Delivery to Coop
Atlantique
Coop Atlantique
Warehouse (Saintes)
Coop
Atlantique
Stores
In the
territories
Once on the shelves, the local products may be enhanced differently. They might be found on their
original shelf: in the Hyper U Corgnac, the “Limouzi Cola” can be found on the drinks shelf, and is
enhanced with a sticker or a label, visible on the shelf.
The designation label « Produit U du Limousin » (Product from Limousin)
This designation refers to regional products produced, transformed or employing
labour in the region (Ex. Coffee Errel, not produced in France but transformed here).
This designation is a tool for the valorization of the regional product, which might be
presented in a special « regional products » shelf.
Animation in stores
The producers might dedicate part of their time to present their products in store, and explain the
modalities of the production in order to inform the consumer. Ex. the Local Products fair in Ambazac,
November 2012.
Why do we need to eat local products? Diminishing the number of intermediaries between producers
and consumers is a way to get closer to a « fair price » (Serge Papin’s CEO of System U motto). The
consumption of local products contributes to a virtuous local economic circle.
A certain number of local products are referenced in Coop Atlantique’s stores, apart from groceries and
market gardening, local products might be found in hygiene and cleaning shelves.
Limdor Apples
Megeas’ Orchard
A cow winner of
agricultural
contests
Arnaud’s Pâtés
Limouzi Cola
Fayes’ Dairy
Appendix: a list of local and regional
products referenced by the Cooperative
members Circle on the U express of Aixe
sur Vienne
Who are the Cooperative members? They are consumers (380 000 in Coop Atlantique’s register), and
employees, (4200 employees working in the Cooperative)
The share is the same for all: 7 euros. But what are the advantages of the cooperative members?
Less turn-over, collective status of the cooperatives (National Federation of the
consumers’ Cooperative)
Participation in the cooperative administration, according to
the principle 1 person = 1 vote, « Culture Coop » formation
Employees
Social advantages, 4 to 5% discount on the products
bought in store, up to 8000 euros per year
Participation in the cooperative administration, according to the principle 1 person = 1 vote
Access to Annual Reports and accounts
AACC Services: free support for commercial dispute, information
and education to sustainable consumption
Discounts on products bought in coop and ecofrais stores
Coop Evasion : travelling with 5% discount
Consumers
Local General Members Meetings
AACC Newsletter and
volunteering members
At the entrance of Coop Atlantique stores
Invitation to the Cooperative’s General Associates Meetings
Invitation to the Cooperative Members Circles meetings
Website www.coop-atlantique.fr
Spokespersons representing the
cooperative members,
Circle of cooperative members’
representatives
The AACC, « Atlantic Association of the Consumers – Cooperative members », with 13 volunteers in Limoges is
a tool for the defense and the formation of the consumer. It can be used by the cooperative members. The
association is labeled « consumers’ association », which enables it to carry out the following missions:
 Formation of young consumers in schools, commercial label reading, recycling, sustainable development
 Defense of the consumer in case of commercial dispute.
Coop Evasion is an affiliate of Coop Atlantique which organizes travels for consumers, and cooperative members
are entitled to a 5% discount.
The Circles of Cooperative members are at the heart of the voluntary and cooperative commitment and relay the
AACC in the territories. They gather freely and regularly.
At Aixe-sur-Vienne, the members of the Cooperative Circle carry out different actions:
Information on local products and
sustainable consumption
Free movie projections in school,
local associations, and retirement
homes
Animation and promotion of the
cooperative life
Animation in stores and local
products tasting
Satisfactory survey, informing
clients on their local store
Visit of enterprises which products
are sold in Coop Atlantique’s stores
(Les Fayes, Madeleines Bijoux…)
Notice
We can list 80 volunteering representatives in the Coop Atlantique territories.
The cooperative member’s shares are kept on accounts managed by Coop Atlantique. The cooperative member
earns interests on his/her shares according to the official bond rate, and frozen until his/her 70th birthday. The
management of these accounts is realized by two employees and Coop Atlantique charges 1 euro per year each
account.
Several producers’ cooperatives (ovine, bovine, apple...) are currently working with Coop Atlantique (LimOvin,
Limdor, Les Fayes…) or have already been direct partners with Coop Atlantique (Celmar). Able to gather
producers and pay them a fair price for their production, producers’ cooperatives are more and more privileged
partners of consumers’ cooperatives in Italy and Spain. Highlighting these existing or potential partnerships might
be a way to enhance « cooperative spirit » and cooperative life in Coop Atlantique.
How to create a synergy between a dynamic cooperative life, based on commitment and volunteering of the
cooperative members, and the need for a growing fringe of the consumers to buy and eat sustainably?
How to get the support of cooperative members and value them as a resource for Coop Atlantique?
(Volunteering, responsible commitment, democratic life…)
How to encourage the inclusion of new members in the Coop Atlantique, by promoting the commitment of the
cooperative members (associative and cooperative life, collective commitment, sustainable consumption and
development, interweaving of new networks of solidarity and exchange…) as it already exists in our partners’
cooperatives and inside some of the Cooperative Circles?
(Ex. In Italy, Coop Adriatica highlights volunteering with the program “Ausilio Volontario” which is composed of
volunteers taking in charge shopping and deliver in the home of seniors)
How to ensure a real democratic life in the cooperative and real participation of the cooperative members,
besides from buying shares?
One of the main impediments for small local producers being logistics, we could imagine “farming baskets” being
delivered by the members of the cooperative themselves. The “farming basket” then would be bought in the local
store, avoiding the consumer a long road to the farm, and giving him the possibility to shop for other products in
the store…
List realized by the Cooperative Circle of Aixe sur Vienne.
Dairy Products (vignettes bleues)
1.
PECHALOU, Saint Cyprien (24) (yaourt)
2.
GLAC, Surgères (17) (fromages: Tourteau de Boyer, Saint-Loup de Platane, Trottin Charentais, Le
Mottin Charentais, Euro Moine)
3.
FROMARSAC, Razac sur l'Isle (24) (Tartare, Saint-Môret, P'tit Louis, Caprice des Dieux, Chavroux)
4.
FROMAGERIE DE LA VOUEIZE, Gouzon (23)
5.
LAITERIE DES FAYES, Isle (87) (lait frais, Moulé à la louche, lait UHT, beurre, crème fraîche, fromage
blanc, petite faisselle bio)
6.
FROMAGERIE PIERRE JACQUIN, La Vernelle (36)
Fruits and Vegetables (vignettes vertes) (hors frais : en cours recensement)
1.
GERARD BERNARD SELECTION, Saint Junien (87) (asperges)
2.
VALADE, Lubersac (19) (compotes)
3.
CONSERVERIE DE BERGERAC, Bergerac (24) (marrons entiers)
4.
MAITRE SAVEUR, Eyzerac (24)
5.
BOIS GOURMAND, Saint Vincent de Cosse (24) (cèpes à l'huile)
6.
PONTHIER, Objat (19) (marrons entiers)
Groceries (vignettes violettes)
1.
NEUVIALE, Boisseuil (87) (pain)
2.
MOULIN DE LA FORGE, Rancogne (16) (farine maïs)
Meat/ Fish/Eggs/poultry (vignettes rouges)
1.
SOMAFER, Bessines sur Gartempe (87) (viande bovine)
2.
CV FRANCIS PLAINEMAISON, Limoges (87) (viande bovine)
3.
LIMOVIN, Limoges (87) (viande ovine)
4.
MADRANGE, Limoges (87) (charcuterie)
5.
LISE ROBERT, Limoges (87) (plats préparés)
6.
CCA LES BORIES DU PERIGORD, Piégut-Pluviers (24) (boudins)
7.
LE SALOIR DU PERIGORD, Saint Barthélémy de Bussière (24) (jambon sec)
8.
ETS DOYEN, Angoulême (16) (andouillettes)
9.
CHABRIER MICHEL, Saint Just le Martel (87) (conserve Tata Régine)
10.
MAITRE SAVEUR, Eyzerac (24) (conserves)
Beverages (vignettes roses)
Wines
1.
TURIN LABIDOIRE DISTILLERIE ARTISANALE, Limoges (87)
2.
DISTILLERIE DE LA SALERS, Montaignac Saint Hippolyte (19)
3.
SCEA VIGNERONS DE VERNEUIL, Verneuil sur Vienne (87)
4.
SARL DECO JUS, Saint Yrieix la Perche (87)
5.
PERIFRUIT, Le Bugue (24)
6.
CAVE DU HAUT POITOU, Neuville de Poitou (86)
7.
DISTILLERIE DE MATHA, Cognac (16)
8.
DISTILLERIE DE LA SALAMANDRE, Sarlat en Périgord (24)
9.
MOUNIER SA, Cognac (16)
10.
COURVOISIER, Jarnac (16)
11.
HENNESSY, Cognac (16)
Sweet
1.
MADELEINE BIJOU, Saint Yrieix la Perche (87)
2.
GERARD BERNARD SELECTION, Saint Junien (87) (confitures)
3.
BISCUITERIE AUGEREAU, Saint Benoit (86)
4.
LES COMTES DE LA MARCHE, Selles sous Gouzon (23) (gâteaux)
5.
VALADE, Lubersac (19) (confitures)
6.
BOULE D'OR, Saint Yrieix la Perche (87) (madeleines)
7.
Lou Cocal, Sarlat (24) (biscuits)
Salted
8.
DELOUIS ET FILS SA, CHAMPSAC (87) (assaisonnements)
9.
HUILERIE JACQUES BATARD, Neuville de Poitou (86)
10.
SAS PENAUD COULAUD, Limoges (87) (charcuterie)
11.
ANDRIEUX, Saint Mathieu (87) (grillons, boudins)
12.
LAREDY SA, Saint Yrieix la Perche (87) (conserves)
13.
CONSERVERIE DES TUILIERES ARNAUD, Aixe sur Vienne (87) (pâtés)
14.
BOUTOT, Perpezac le Noir (19) (charcuterie)
15.
SOCIETE PERIGOURDINE DE SALAISON, Boulazac (24) (charcuterie)
16.
MAITRE SAVEUR, Eyzerac (24) (sauces)
Non dietary (vignettes oranges)
1.
PINTAUD-LA TRIOMPHANTE, Mansle (16) (cire d'abeille, décapant, lave-sol, javel)
2.
CHIMINOVE, Angoulême (16) (déboucheur de canalisations, allume-feu Calumet)
3.
EDITION SOUNY LUCIEN, Pierre Buffière (87)
4.
Association CULTURE & PATRIMOINE DU LIMOUSIN, Neuvic-Entier (87)
5.
EDITION DE LA VEYTISOU, Limoges (87)
6.
LES ARDENTS EDITEURS, Limoges (87)
7.
LES MONEDIÉRES, Treignac (19)
8.
FLANANT, Le Palais sur Vienne (87)
9.
ECRITURES, Brive (19)
10.
SOLIBIO Solignac (87) savons liquides