Coop Economic Group celebrated its 30th anniversary

The Coop chain of stores was established in 1995 by the then ÁFÉSZs with the aim of continuing the traditions of the Hungarian consumer cooperative movement to build a modern, competitive, yet community-oriented retail network, adapted to the expectations of the 21st century.

In his speech at the 30th anniversary celebration, László Pekó, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Co-op Hungary Zrt., highlighted that the past 30 years have been characterized by compliance with the constantly changing business environment, development and innovation, but the values ​​that have always been present in Coop’s life – dedication to quality, responsible development, commitment to the Hungarian countryside, support for domestic products, community involvement, national self-awareness and recognition of performance – have connected the store chain with its narrower and wider environment for three decades, and which provide a suitable basis for the next 30 years.

Addressing the managers and owners of Coop, László Pekó noted:

“When We founded Coop in 1995, then we built the future. With perseverance, diligence, a lot of work and a strong vision, even what seems unimaginable can be achieved”

– he referred to the fact that when Coop was founded, 260 ÁFÉSZ stores joined forces, and today, as the largest retail chain in the country, the group of companies operates 2,100 stores in 1,400 settlements across the country.

Regarding COOP’s 16,000 employees, he emphasized:

“our employees not only play a huge role in ensuring that fresh bread, crispy vegetables and fruit, and quality goods are delivered to customers and families’ tables, but also in how they are connected to the community of the given settlement.”

The weekly Through stores serving 3.3 million customers, Coop builds a community even in the smallest villages, as in some settlements the Coop store also operates a post office, provides non-prescription medicine supply, or provides a community space for civic events. The chain’s commitment to the Hungarian countryside is also demonstrated by the fact that, as part of the modernization of stores operating in settlements with fewer than 2,000 inhabitants, 461 Coop stores were renovated by the end of 2023 as part of a 12 billion forint investment, to which state funds from the Hungarian Village Program also contributed. In this regard, he added: the relationship with the government is based on mutual respect and common results.

He highlighted the other two important values ​​​​held by Coop, dedication to quality and support for domestic products, as well as close, long-term cooperation with supplier partners, producers and food processors, which is also proven by the presence of quality Hungarian products. 80 percent of the products found on the shelves of Coop stores are of Hungarian origin, the private label range includes more than 900 products, 90 percent of which are produced by domestic suppliers.

“Long-term thinking with suppliers also determines the noble cause for which we have joined forces with our most important partners: the Coop Rally has been promoting excellent Hungarian products for 19 years now.”

In relation to Coop’s role in community engagement, he mentioned the activities of the Coop Aid Foundation, which has been operating for 15 years and aims to support children with multiple disadvantages, families in difficult circumstances and victims of natural disasters, within the framework of which the group has so far provided 185 million forints in support to those in need.

In relation to national pride and appreciation of performance, he underlined that Coop has been supports the Hungarian Olympic Committee as a strategic partner, which is the longest-standing cooperation in the history of Hungarian sports.