CO-OP PARTNERS WAREHOUSE (CPW) is our local and organic produce and grocery distribution company, located in Saint Paul. CPW is an integral part of our mission to “build community by developing a strong local food system.” CPW’s close relationships with local farmers and producers and large network of natural food stores, restaurants, and businesses allow… Read More →
Co-op Partners Warehouse (CPW) began in 1999 as a simple idea to source the best quality produce from small and local farms for area co-ops. Twenty years later, CPW remains committed to offering distinctive organic and local products to co-ops, grocery stores, restaurants and cafes. 20 Years of Growth By the Numbers ⇒ From 6 employees… Read More →
What do you do at Co-op Partners Warehouse (CPW), and how long have you worked there? My role as an administrative assistant and salesperson has me wearing a variety of hats here at the warehouse. I am in charge of buying some of the products that we carry, such as Local Crate and Valley’s Own…
Growing food is a hard way to make a living, especially for small, organic producers who don’t have the benefit of chemicals, subsidies or economies of scale to boost their bottom line. But this is also why the price tags on local and organic produce are often higher than large conventionally grown produce. But just… Read More →
by Tom Rodmyre, Warehouse Manager I am pleased to report that union negotiations with our employees were conducted in a positive, productive way. We finished the settlement within seven months of the union vote, and the contract offer was accepted by our employees. We achieved total sales of $19,617,470 this year (including sales to The… Read More →
THE LORI STORY At the end of this month we say farewell to Lori Zuidema with gratitude for all of her accomplishments and contributions to Co-op Partners Warehouse (CPW) and the Midwest Cooperative movement. Early on, Lori found her footing with the original Seward Co-op back in the 70’s. Her activism in the anti-war movement,…
At the co-op, we believe in building a strong, equitable food system for all and are proud to partner with local organizations who share the same mission. We wouldn’t be able to support our community without the support of our owners and shoppers. Together, we’re building a strong community. Below are a few words of… Read More →
FOR 19 YEARS OF LEADERSHIP AT CPW! Tom arrived at the warehouse in 2003, already having spent the first 25 years of his career at various Twin Cities produce companies. With his eye towards making CPW a more efficient and profitable business, Tom decided that if there was anything we could do in-house, we would.… Read More →
We envision a food system that keeps all families fed with nutritious foods, one where all farmers are paid fairly, and food is grown in a way that nourishes the soil rather than depletes it. Our fair trade partners are carrying out this vision through relationships with small-scale farmers, distributors, and retailers across the globe.… Read More →
The global health pandemic and the social unrest happening all across the country supercharged 2020, illuminating the stark disparities in outcomes among Black and brown communities and other communities of color in comparison to their white neighbors. The public murder of George Floyd on Monday, May 25, by a police officer at 38th Street &… Read More →
