Essential Trading, one of the largest worker co-operatives in the UK, recorded unprecedented expansion last year.
“2015 was an exciting year for Essential, with sales hitting a record £16 million, having increased annual turnover by more than £1 million,” commented Essential’s Eli Sarre. “We also expanded our site in Bristol, with several new purpose-built office spaces, a new washroom with shower facilities, and a canteen which will all significantly improve working conditions as well as improving energy efficiency due to better insulation and low energy LED lighting. We have also increased our fleet of vehicles, allowing us to increase our number of regular nationwide deliveries.”
The wholesaler, manufacturer and distributor has also built a second production line to cope with the rise in demand for its pre-packed commodities, sales of which have seen a 50% increase in the last five years, including a 15% rise in 2014.
“Having the second production line will allow us to respond to customer demand, whilst continuing to adhere to allergen procedures and stringent production standards,” says Eli. “We aim to improve our service levels and product availability, and produce a more cohesive range”.
The Essential brand comprises around 900 product lines and the co-operative also wholesales over 400 other brands, amounting to more than 5,500 lines of healthy and sustainable products, 80% of which are certified organic.
