True Food Co-op

“More than just a shop, it's a community,” said the nominator of True Food Co-op which they have put forward for Independent Retailer of the Year, sponsored by REDA and Reading BID.

They added: “As a co-operative it is owned by its members, all of whom have a say in how the business is run.

“Creating a sense of community and benefiting the surrounding community by providing access to ethical and sustainable products is central to its business vision. Many members volunteer either in the shop or behind the scenes, keen to support the business in achieving its vision.”

A not-for-profit organisation, True Food aims to provide its community with sustainable ethical food and eco household products with an extensive range of zero-waste foods and refillable household products, reducing packaging and single-use plastic waste.

True Food stocks organic, local bread, unpackaged fruit and vegetables, meat and dairy. It also has a range of organic alcohol, store cupboard essentials and refillable household products. It also looks to support other local, independent businesses by stocking their products.

As a small, independent business, True Food looks to provide shoppers with a personal service, said the nominator.

“Furthermore, shoppers can order specialist items from True Food they can’t get elsewhere.

“True Food has been trading for over 25 years and is unique within Reading.”