The power of a co-operative partnership
They say all good relationships are built on trust, empathy and communication.
And by that definition, we’ve been in a committed relationship with Co-op for the last eight years (but with fewer arguments about what to have for dinner).
Cooperative by name and nature, our collaboration with the Co-op team is a special one. The attraction was instant; with their unique structure as a member-owned business, ethical sourcing practices and strong partnerships with local communities – they aren’t like other retailers. They’ve always believed in challenging what’s been done before to create something better. An ethos that has earned them the long-standing loyalty and love of their customers.
“Co-op came to us in search of a new strategic creative agency for their roster who would help shape the direction of the brand in all its categories. At first, we were a little sceptical of working with a retailer on own-label projects as we thought we’d be limited by category norms. But we were instantly struck by Co-op’s progressive vision and have worked hand in glove with their internal design team ever since.”
Dave, Managing Director
From strategic sub brands to seasonal ranges and tactical limited editions, every Co-op project is very different. But what they all have in common is they’re born from the team’s passion to disrupt the market.
This isn’t disruption in a brash or in-your-face sense. Rather, they collaborate with their partners and members across the world to create products that are more compelling for the people who buy them and fairer to the people who make them.
“Our calls with Co-op are less like formal presentations and more like off the cuff brainstorms. One person has an idea and then another adds to it and so on and so on. It always feels like we’re on the same team, reaching for the same goal and we’re never afraid to challenge each other to get there.”
Emma, Account Director
Since their founding, Co-op has pioneered a new direction for retailers. They’ve made it their mission to work for the greater good of those around them – from stepping first with the Fairtrade initiative, to becoming the largest convenience seller of Fairtrade products. They’ve even helped change legislation to help protect all retail workers.
It's this ethos that's made Co-op the iconic British brand it is today, and why working with them never feels like a typical client/supplier relationship. It’s a true cooperative partnership.
Watch this space, there’s more Co-op to come very soon…
“I first came across Robot Food when I was researching for a new creative agency. I wanted an agency who could push the boundaries and challenge us with some genuine, innovative design ideas… We were not disappointed! We’ve worked together for over 8 years now and would highly recommend them. The team is above all very creative, they give us creativity that we don’t expect, and their designs make you smile, and they make you think… The team are full of positivity, and this comes through in their work…They are responsive, adaptable and reliable and a pleasure to work with.”
Brooke Fletcher at Co-op