Retailing in the voluntary sector: the role of the Scottish food co‐operatives

Abstract

Voluntary food co‐operatives (VFCs) remain a relatively under‐researched area of academic enquiry. However, they represent an important form of retail provision for particular consumer groups. This paper examines the role and purpose of VFCs in Scotland. It details the primary reasons behind their establishment and examines their different methods of operation. Placed within a framework of food retail access, the research identifies the important contribution VFCs make to alleviating poverty and promoting healthy eating in inner urban areas. Significant differences exist between VFCs and the paper therefore concludes with a typology of different voluntary food co‐operatives.

Citation

Freathy, P. and Hare, C. (2004), "Retailing in the voluntary sector: the role of the Scottish food co‐operatives", European Journal of Marketing, Vol. 38 No. 11/12, pp. 1562-1576. https://doi.org/10.1108/03090560410560245