On Thursday evening, the Museu de les Ciències in Valencia hosted a major event: the Consum cooperative celebrated its 50th anniversary. More than 1,200 guests—including employees, customers, partners, social organization representatives, and franchisees—gathered to mark five decades of the company’s operations. Over this time, the chain has grown to become the sixth largest in the country, and by 2025 aims to surpass 5 billion euros in annual turnover.
CEO Antonio Rodríguez emphasized that the company’s success has been made possible by the trust of customers, support from suppliers, and the dedication of its staff. According to him, the main goals for the coming years are to keep growing, drive innovation, create stable jobs, and always remember the people behind every decision.
A Success Story and the Values of the Cooperative
The ceremony was attended by President Francesc Llobell, members of the Board of Directors, and representatives of the social committee. The president noted that the cooperative’s founders showed courage by believing they could change the way people shop. Their dream has become reality: today, Consum is the largest cooperative network in Spain and a leading food distribution company.
Llobell recalled that if the project’s original participants had known what heights their creation would reach fifty years later, they would not have believed it. Over the years, the cooperative has not only preserved but strengthened its unique model, where partnership between employees and customers plays a key role, alongside a focus on fairness and sustainable development.
Anniversary events and holiday symbols
The celebratory ceremony marked the grand finale of a year-long series of anniversary events. The main symbol of the occasion was a massive cake, representing the company’s desire to share its success with everyone who has contributed to its history. Throughout the year, this symbol appeared at various events, highlighting both the human touch and collective spirit of the cooperative.
Since opening its first store in Alaquàs (Valencia) in 1975, Consum has steadily expanded, bringing employees and customers together as one team. Today, the company includes more than five million client-members, over 23,000 employees, and more than a thousand retail locations, including its own stores and Charter franchises.
Growth strategy and new projects
In the coming years, the cooperative aims to maintain its development pace. In 2026, plans call for the opening of about 18 new supermarkets and 35 Charter franchise stores in key regions. Special attention is being given to expanding its presence in Castilla-La Mancha and central Spain: in Noblejas (Toledo), a modern logistics center is under construction, set to begin operations in the second half of 2026.
Another key investment area will be the development of online distribution channels. The central warehouse in Paterna (Paterna, Valencia) will improve the efficiency and quality of service for customers in Valencia and the surrounding areas. This approach meets current market demands and customer expectations.
Social Mission and Sustainable Development
Consum consistently adheres to its core principles: cooperation between employees and customers, fair treatment of suppliers, support for the local economy, and environmental stewardship. The company is committed to creating stable jobs, developing work-life balance programs, and supporting social initiatives.
Over fifty years, the cooperative has not only built an effective business model, but also set an example for other companies in social responsibility and sustainability. Management emphasizes that all decisions are made with people’s interests in mind, not just financial indicators.
Consum’s anniversary was more than just a celebration; it proved that the cooperative model can be successful, modern, and in demand. The company continues to move forward, staying true to its values and opening new horizons for millions in Spain.
