A Toast to Co-op Heroes (With Organic Plonk, Obviously)
The world’s changed a lot since we first opened our doors back in 1971 — the hair was bigger, the jeans were flared, and Brighton was just beginning to blossom into the food-loving, planet-friendly city we know today. One thing hasn’t changed, though: our belief that the best businesses are built together, from the ground up.
That’s why Co-operative Fortnight 2025 is such a big deal to us. It’s a celebration of people-powered business, and this year it’s extra special — because it falls in the UN’s International Year of Co-operatives. The theme? #CoopHeroes. Quite fitting don’t you think?
What Is Co-operative Fortnight?
Co-op Fortnight is two weeks of sharing stories, holding events, and raising a bit of a ruckus (the good kind) about how co-operatives make the world a fairer, friendlier, and more sustainable place. Organised by Co-operatives UK, it’s a time to shout about the power of working together — and to shine a light on the real people behind our food, services, and community spaces.
We’re proud to say we’ve been part of this movement for over five decades — with no bosses, no shareholders, and no profit-grabbing. Just a team of passionate people working together, paid fairly, and pulling in the same direction.
What Makes Worker Co-ops Different?
A worker co-operative is run by the people who work in it. That means the decisions are made by those who know the business best — not a distant boardroom. From a tiny bakery to a national wholesaler, co-ops come in all shapes and sizes. Some have two members, others have thousands. What they share is a commitment to good work, fair conditions, and democratic control.
There are about 400 worker co-ops in the UK, generating £13.2 billion in turnover — not bad for a business model that puts people over what goes into shareholders pockets.
And according to the World Declaration on Worker Cooperatives, this isn’t just a nice idea — it’s the most developed and important model of worker ownership in the world.
Infinity: A Co-op Since Before It Was Cool
We became a worker co-op in 1979, back when co-ops were still considered a bit… out there. (We like to think we were ahead of the curve.) Since then, we’ve grown slowly and steadily — the co-operative way — building something that lasts.
That means when you shop at Infinity, you’re supporting:
- Certified organic food grown with care
- A local, real living wage employer
- Fair prices for farmers, customers, and workers
- A co-operative that gives back to its community
We’re still run by the people who stack the shelves, knead the dough, and pack up your orders. We’re in it together — every loaf, lentil and lemon.
This Year’s Theme: #CoopHeroes
This Co-op Fortnight, we’re lifting up the people who make co-ops what they are — the grafters, growers, bakers, dreamers and doers who’ve built a different kind of business. The kind that puts people and planet before profit, and does it with heart.
We’ll be sharing stories from the shop floor and beyond, celebrating the everyday heroes that make Infinity tick. (Spoiler alert: they’re not wearing capes, but they might be wearing green aprons.)
Join the Movement
Co-ops aren’t just businesses — they’re movements. They’re a way to reshape the world, one decision, one vote at a time. Whether you’re a customer, a collaborator, or someone just curious about how things could be done differently, now’s a great time to get involved.
Because it turns out that when you treat people right and grow food properly, everyone benefits. Who’d have thought?
“Co-op Fortnight is an opportunity for us to shout about how proud we are to be a co-operative.”
– George Sauverin, worker-owner, Infinity Foods Shop & Bakery
For Infinity
As we celebrate Co-op Fortnight 2025, we’re raising a toast to everyone keeping the co-operative spirit alive — here in Sussex and across the world. You’re our heroes.
So here’s to good food, good work, and a fairer future — there’s a better way to work.
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