Federated Co-op: New “Essentials” banner

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Federated Co-op

Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL) does business differently. At its core, FCL is a co-operative that supports other co-operatives that serve people in Western Canada.

FCL is a wholesaling, manufacturing, marketing and administrative co-operative owned by more than 160 independent local co-operative associations. These local co-ops own and operate agro centers, food stores, gas bars/convenience stores and home centers. Cayuga has been partnering with FCL to support their food stores, liquor stores and gas bars for over 5 years. We started out supplying display tables for the produce departments and have steadily expanded in supplying displays for bakery, floral, delicatessen and wine. This includes refrigerated displays plus salad, soup and hot food bars.

Federated Co-op Image

Introduction:

In 2022 we started discussions with the produce operations team that supports all the FCL co-operative groups. They need some different solutions for their new “Essentials” banner. Something with different holding capacity, merchandising layout and less sophisticated than what we supply for the typical Co-op food stores. We conducted several online meetings between them and our design, manufacturing and sales team to understand the needs and goals.

Federated Co-operatives (FCL)

WHAT IS CO-OP ESSENTIALS?:

Co-op Essentials celebrates local quality and innovation in an engaging store environment designed to help you quickly get on with your life. Whether you’re looking for tried-and-true staples, high-quality fresh produce or exciting Co-op-branded products, you’ll find what’s essential to you at a great value – every day! Co-op Essentials is part of the Co-op family, with the same community-minded values and positive benefits that make Co-op a different kind of business. We remain true to our roots by celebrating our commitment to the local community and returning profits to our members. Otter Co-op members can use their Co-op number and earn equity on their purchases.

Solution:

The Cayuga team pulled together some ideas from our catalogue of proven designs, made some adjustments to meet FCL’s needs and submitted concepts for review. After a bit of back-and-forth between Cayuga and FCL, we settled on a design concept. First-off models were built for review and then we went into production for the first Essentials store in Coverdale B.C.
Response to the store concept has been extremely positive and our product designs were very well received. See comments from FCL:

Hello Chris,

Just wanted to let you know that our newest store in Surrey BC opened, with the table design we collaborated on.

I’m really pleased with how everything turned out and appreciate your support in working with me on them. Even the graphical inserts fit perfectly on the first try! Very accurate production from your team!

I will likely have a small few changes related to the design once I get a little feedback – such as a higher clear front guard – but I will follow up once I have had the chance to speak more to the store after more use. At that point I would plan to have them as the standard offering for this banner.

Thanks again, please pass along my thanks to the many people along the way who played a part in this coming to life.

Johua Hubert (Manager, Produce Operations)

Federated Co-op Image

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