Natural food producer and wholesaler Suma Foods has won the Cooperative of the Year 2014 award, held annually as part of Cooperatives Fortnight and open to over 6,000 cooperative businesses.
The award aims to celebrate excellence, innovation and ethics in business as well as the achievements of the UK’s most pioneering and inspirational co-ops.
“We are obviously delighted to have been recognized as innovators within the coop movement,” said Dan Norvell, Suma PR spokesman. “Our cooperative status is very important to us and ensures that all workers are able to take an active part in running Suma, as well as reaping the rewards of a successful business.”
The award was presented by Ed Mayo, secretary general of Cooperatives UK, at the organizations AGM on Friday 27 June. “I would like to congratulate Suma on their award,” said Mayo. “They are worthy recipients and are an excellent example of a thriving, successful and innovative worker-owned and managed co-operative. I wish them every success with future endeavours.”
Founded in 1976, Suma has been operating from Elland since 2001 and supplies a range of around 7,000 natural food products. It is the largest single pay organization in Europe with all 190 workers earning the same hourly rate regardless of whether they are picking orders, working in personnel or developing new products.
Last year saw another record-breaking year for the coop as Suma turned over £34 million with sales throughout the UK, and to over 50 countries internationally.
