A cooperative is a business that is owned and controlled by its members. In consumer food cooperatives, the members consist of people who use the goods and services provided by the co-op. Membership is open and voluntary to those who wish to join. There are many types of cooperatives all over the world including consumer co-ops, worker co-ops, housing co-ops, producer co-ops and credit unions. No matter what their function, all cooperatives exist to serve their member-owners.

Each member makes an investment in their co-op and has a voice in controlling their co-op’s activities. Anyone may become a member by making an investment to get the benefits all members receive, including one vote in member decisions. This is different from privately owned businesses, in which there is unequal ownership and control based on the size of one’s investment.

Co-ops operate according to a set of specific business principles designed to benefit their memberships. Although cooperatives serve a wide variety of purposes and use differing organizational structures, they generally direct their activities toward the common good and foster active democratic participation and education. Worldwide, cooperatives adhere to the International Cooperative Alliance Statement of Cooperative Identity and Cooperative Principles.