Central Co-op publishes 2025 annual report: A year of investment for a sustainable future

Posted by lauryn mellor | Published: 23/04/2025

Central Co-op has today published its 2025 Annual Report and Accounts, reporting a trading contribution of £8.1 million - delivered alongside significant investments across its retail, funeral, estate and community programmes in 2024.

These solid results reflect a year of purposeful action and progress, as the Society continued to invest in its colleagues, support local communities and accelerate its sustainability journey. In a challenging economic climate, Central Co-op has demonstrated the strength and resilience of the co-operative model, putting people before profits and laying strong foundations for long-term, inclusive growth.

Over the last 12 months, Central Co-op has invested over £40m across its Food and Funeral businesses, including,

• Expanding the Food and Funeral network: Opening five new stores, regenerating 35 stores, and refurbishing 16 funeral homes - ensuring high-quality services for Members and customers.
• Competitive pay and benefits: Increasing the minimum hourly rate to £12 for front-line colleagues, alongside significant health and well-being support.
• Tackling food waste and food insecurity: Launching its partnership with Olio and reaching the milestone of 1 million surplus food items redistributed, feeding over 13,000 local families.
• Strengthening security for colleagues and customers: Investing £1.8m in loss prevention, body-worn cameras and crime deterrent measures, alongside campaigning for legal protections for shopworkers.

Debbie Robinson, Chief Executive of Central Co-op, commented: “In today’s economic climate, we’re continually investing in our Society, our Members, our colleagues, our stores and our communities - we exist to give back. We’ve made choices that will strengthen our future and support those who rely on us, which also deliver a purpose.”

The past year has seen global financial pressures impact both the retail and funeral sectors. Inflation has affected food sales, while the UK’s declining death rate and the rise of direct cremations have challenged funeral service revenues. However, Central Co-op remains focused on growth, sustainability and people-first initiatives.

Central Co-op continues to lead the way in ethical and sustainable retailing, making long-term investments that align with its climate commitments of becoming self-sufficient in green energy by 2030 and Net-Zero by 2040. This month, the Society announced a £10 million investment over the next decade through a corporate power purchase agreement (CPPA), ensuring renewable wind power contributes towards 20% of its total energy needs. In addition, its solar panel expansion has reached 117 sites, generating 6.71 million kWh of power annually, with plans to expand to 53 more locations in 2025. New store developments have also prioritised sustainability, with recent builds achieving Net-Zero or carbon-negative credentials.

Beyond financial figures, Central Co-op remains deeply committed to its co-operative values, launching initiatives that make a tangible difference in communities. While the US, UK and other countries reduce development aid, Central Co-op became a founding member of the newly established Fund for International Co-operative Development (FICD), which will provide support to other co-operatives globally through trade, not aid - strengthening the movement’s international impact. Meanwhile, the Society’s ongoing “Our Malawi Partnership” continues to thrive, supporting education and trade in the country, with sales surpassing £800,000 and introducing the UK’s first 100% Fairtrade macadamia nut product in 2024.

Closer to home, Central Co-op has invested in community well-being, installing defibrillators and bleed kits across its store network to provide vital support in emergencies. It has also contributed £20,000 to humanitarian relief efforts in the Middle East and remains committed to mental health support through its ongoing partnership with Samaritans, helping to fund crucial services for those in crisis. In recognition of its progress in workplace inclusion, the Society has achieved Silver accreditation in Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), introducing new colleague support networks that champion underrepresented groups.

While economic conditions remain challenging, Central Co-op focuses on a sustainable future, thanks to its investment strategy and people-first approach. In this UN International Year of Co-operatives, Central Co-op stands as a shining example of how co-operative values continue to drive meaningful change. By prioritising Members, colleagues and communities, the Society is building a resilient future - one that reflects the true spirit of co-operation.

To read Central Co-op 2025 Annual Report and Accounts, visit centralcoop.co.uk/your-co-op/reports-accounts. For further details, head to the centralcoop.co.uk/, details on becoming a Member can be found at Members.coop.

ENDS

For press information
Press Office
pressoffice@centralcoop.co.uk

Lauryn Mellor, PR and Media Specialist at Central Co-op
lauryn.mellor@centralcoop.co.uk
07385 048004