A community-owned, Made in Malta food co-op is going to triple in size
Just months after opening, the Attard-based community store is planning a major expansion
Less than six months since opening, Malta’s first community-owned food cooperative is set to triple its size to meet rising demand for local produce.
The Food Coop, which opened to the public in October, has experienced rapid growth in both membership and supply. Its base in Attard, near the Pitkalija market, will be expanded, though the location will remain unchanged.
“Even if we doubled the shop, we still wouldn’t have enough space,” said Daniel Schembri, CEO of Koperattivi Malta, which is collaborating with the Malta Food Agency to run the project. “That is why we are tripling the space of the co-op.”
The co-op operates on a membership system, meaning members become co-owners by paying a small fee. This entitles them to vote on how the co-op is run, attend meetings, influence shop policies and help determine product pricing.
“We had a very good response from the public with over 200 people showing an interest since registration opened,” Schembri said.
According to the co-op, the membership base is diverse, ranging from health-conscious shoppers seeking pesticide-free produce, to food enthusiasts looking for authentic seasonal products, as well as the budget-conscious individuals. Prices are kept low, as the co-op aims to be self-sustaining rather than profit-driven.
Schembri also noted growing interest from local producers. “Every week, we have three or four new suppliers coming on board,” he said.
Supply chain
The co-op stocks more than just seasonal fruits and vegetables. It also offers local products such as honey, oil, chutneys, cheeses, dairy products and meats. Currently, it supplies chicken, pork and rabbit but the upcoming expansion will allow for the addition of beef and horse meat. Local beers, wines, traditional snacks and even more popular contemporary snacks like Twistees are also available.
“With a space like this we don’t have people travelling all over the island to get the best Malta and Gozo have to offer. Like this, there is a one-stop shop for all the best Maltese and Gozitan suppliers have to offer,” Schembri said.
Fresh produce and meat shelves at major supermarkets were left empty a few days ago due to bad weather, which delayed food imports to Malta. The disruption highlighted the vulnerability of the island’s supply chains and, according to Schembri, underscored the importance of supporting local suppliers.
“We need to remember that the more we buy local, the more the demand for it increases and so will the supply,” he said.
As part of its next phase of operations, the co-op is preparing to roll out an island-wide delivery service, with plans to launch the initiative in the coming days. The service will be available only in Malta at the time being.
The Food Coop is open to both members and suppliers. It operates from Monday to Friday between 8am and 7pm and on Saturdays and Sundays from 8am to 1.30pm.