The Co-operative Farms has won the Innovation in Co-operative Business Award for its “Grown by Us” range.

The awards, organised by the Co-operatives UK, the umbrella organisation that promotes the interests of co-operatives nationwide, are being run for the first time this year to recognise excellence in the co-operative movement.

Produce sold under The Co-operative “Grown by Us” label includes potatoes, onions, strawberries, peas, broccoli and apples, all grown by The Co-operative Farms, as well as honey from its hives and other products, such as flour, apple juice, cider and beer, made using ingredients grown by the farming business.

Competition judges said: “The development of the ‘Grown by Us’ range was a major strategy change for The Co-operative Farms, which saw the introduction of a number of products unique to Co-operative food stores produced by The Co-operative Group’s own farming business. The project was a huge success and The Co-operative Farms has truly earned this award.”

Christine Tacon, md of The Co-operative Farms, said: “To achieve this recognition by the Co-operative Movement is welcome, and a great endorsement of the hard work by everyone involved in 'Grown by Us', both at The Co-operative Farms and within The Co-operative Food’s buying and marketing teams.

“The success of 'Grown by Us' is a good example of co-operation and of doing things to a mutual advantage. We have remained focused on what we wanted to achieve, and believe we now have a critical mass of branded products. We are looking forward to expanding first the depth of distribution of our products, and then the range.”

As an award-winner, The Co-operative Farms now goes forward to the Global Awards for Co-operative Excellence, being held in Geneva in November.

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