Newark Natural Foods has joined the National Cooperative Grocers Association , a business services cooperative for retail food co-ops across the United States NCGA also announced that three existing associate co-ops will become members, bringing the association to 142 food co-ops across 38 states, with combined annual sales of more than $1.6 billion.
Newark Natural Foods Co-op was founded as a food-buying club in 1967 and incorporated in 1975. Newark NaturaFoods serves more than 3,400 active owners and has annual sales of more than $5 million. The co-op’s plans to relocate its store in fall 2014 will double its current retail space and allow for expanded product offerings.
The cooperative also sponsors a seasonal farmers market.
The News Journal reported that the cooperative will move from a location off East Main Street to the Newark Shopping Center in space that may be best known as the site of the Newark Department Store. Members had approved an expansion at their annual meeting last year.
The shopping center is undergoing renovations that include a new roof.
“We’re delighted to welcome our new member and associate co-ops and the communities they serve,” said C.E. Pugh, chief operating officer for NCGA. “The management and staff of these co-ops have done a fantastic job of growing their businesses and we’re excited for their participation with NCGA. Our association is enhanced as they join other food co-ops across the country to provide healthier food, better services, and stronger communities.”
