What is a Consumer Cooperative?

A consumer cooperative is an associative form of economic organization, created based on the free will of its members, with the purpose of meeting their economic and social needs. It operates as a legal entity and carries out its activities in accordance with cooperative principles and the provisions of the current legislation.

The activity of a consumer cooperative is based on:

• Autonomy and self-management,
• The democratic leadership principle – each member has the right to one vote,
• Free and voluntary participation,
• Fair distribution of income,
• Mutual responsibility and solidarity among members.

Through their organization and operation, cooperatives not only provide benefits to members but also promote values such as solidarity, fairness, and mutual support – the foundations of the cooperative movement.

The Central Union of Consumer Cooperatives of the Republic of Moldova – is the apex organization of the consumer cooperative system in the country, with a strong tradition in promoting the economic and social interests of its members. Moldcoop is a national structure for organizing, coordinating, supervising, controlling, and representing the economic-financial, legal, social, and cultural interests of affiliated consumer cooperative organizations and their own enterprises. Through a well-organized and democratic system, Moldcoop supports the sustainable development of cooperatives, ensuring the observance of cooperative principles: voluntary participation, democratic governance, solidarity, equity, and social responsibility. Throughout its 157-year existence, the cooperative system has continuously expanded its areas of activity, becoming multisectoral. Today, the consumer cooperation sector in the Republic of Moldova is an integral part of the country’s socio-economic system. Organizations and enterprises are fully engaged in the implementation of social and economic development programs, acting as responsible partners capable of contributing to the achievement of these goals. The 2025–2030 Development Strategy for the consumer cooperation sector in the Republic of Moldova prioritizes the implementation of progressive policies in the field, the advancement of system modernization, the support of increased competitiveness and the consistent, efficient and sustainable development of consumer cooperatives while thoroughly addressing the multifaceted needs of their members and the population in their areas of operation.

 

Cooperative Values

• Mutual assistance
• Mutual responsibility
• Democracy
• Equality
• Equity
• Solidarity
• Honesty
• Openness
• Concern for the community

 

Mission of the Consumer Cooperation

The mission of the Consumer Cooperation in the Republic of Moldova, represented by Moldcoop, is to organize and develop an economic system based on cooperative principles that contributes to improving the quality of life of its members and local communities by ensuring equitable access to goods, services, jobs, and economic education.
Through solidarity, self-management, and democratic participation, Moldcoop promotes the sustainable development of the cooperative network throughout the country, especially in rural areas, contributing to social cohesion and the preservation of social economy values.

 

Objectives of the Consumer Cooperation

1. Meeting the needs of cooperative members
2. Local and rural economic development
3. Strengthening cooperative structures
4. Promoting cooperative principles
5. Education and professional training
6. Partnerships and collaboration
7. Social engagement and community responsibility