What is Inclusive Trade?



Inclusive Trade is a program created by National Co+op Grocers (NCG) to support and promote diverse-owned brands by highlighting them to shoppers. The goal of the program is to help increase diversity within the retail industry and encourage the growth of businesses owned by individuals who have historically been underrepresented, such as women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, persons with disabilities, and veterans.

The concept of supplier diversity plays a key role in this initiative. Supplier diversity aims to create a more inclusive and competitive business environment by providing opportunities for a wider range of businesses to succeed. This not only leads to innovation but also ensures that the benefits of trade and commerce are more evenly shared among all members of society. By diversifying suppliers, the program helps to promote fairness and economic opportunity for all, particularly those who may have faced systemic barriers to success in the past.

 


NCG’s Inclusive Trade program has specific eligibility criteria: To qualify, at least 51% of a business must be owned, operated, and controlled by individuals who belong to one or more of the following groups: women, Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQIA+ individuals, persons with disabilities, and/or veterans. This criteria helps ensure that businesses participating in the program are genuinely led by those who have been historically marginalized within the retail and business sectors.


By featuring these diverse-owned businesses, Inclusive Trade not only helps to showcase their unique products and services but also supports a broader mission of reducing social and economic inequalities. The program creates a platform for these businesses to be seen and recognized, giving them access to a wider customer base. This visibility can be especially empowering for consumers who share similar identities with the business owners, fostering a sense of connection and representation.

 


According to a study by the Pew Research Center, in 2021, only about 3% of businesses in the United States were Black or African American-owned, even though this demographic makes up nearly 14% of the population. This is just one of many examples that highlights a significant gap in economic opportunity for certain groups. Through programs like Inclusive Trade, NCG is working to break down the barriers that have historically hindered the success of these communities. The aim is not just to promote fairer opportunities but to address the long-standing systemic challenges that have prevented certain groups from flourishing as entrepreneurs.


In addition to providing a platform for underrepresented business owners, Inclusive Trade also benefits consumers by offering them a chance to support businesses that align with their values. It creates a more just society by ensuring that economic growth is shared by all, fostering a sense of belonging and promoting equitable practices. Ultimately, Inclusive Trade is about empowering individuals, promoting fairness, and creating a more inclusive and sustainable economy for everyone.

 


At the Belfast Community Co-op, we are owners of the cooperative, National Co+op Grocery, along with 165 other grocery co-ops in the country. This vast network allows us to work together to further our mission. Inclusive Trade is at the heart of our Cooperative Values. We believe everyone should be treated fairly and enjoy the same benefits. We also believe that we should work together to make this a reality. When shopping at the Belfast Community Co-op, look for the yellow Inclusive Trade symbol that denotes brands representing these groups.

You may find that some brands you think should be part of the Inclusive Trade program are not included. This could be due to several reasons. The vendor may not have provided the necessary information to verify their eligibility, they may have chosen not to participate, or they may not meet the required qualifications. For example, the company could have been acquired by a non-Inclusive Trade vendor, or its ownership may be less diverse than publicly advertised. Are you a local or regional company that would like to take part? Please reach out to info@belfast.coop to find out how you can take part in the program.

Here is a list of some of our Inclusive Trade retail partners you can find at the Belfast Community Co-op:

  • Red Boat
  • Mother in Law’s
  • Bachan’s
  • Alaffia
  • Vibrant Health
  • Partake Foods
  • ECOS
  • A Dozen Cousins
  • Me & the Bees
  • Prince of Peace
  • Sanzo
  • Tiger Balm
  • Cafe Spice
  • Country Archer
  • Fila Manila
  • Masala Mama
  • Monsoon Kitchens
  • Pan’s
  • Wild Wonder
  • Alo
  • Mina
  • Naturade
  • Peanut Butter & Co.
  • Small Batch
  • Tajin
  • Artisan Tropic
  • Badia
  • Chomps
  • Xochitl
  • Earth Therapeutics
  • Afia
  • Nasoya
  • Secret Aardvark
  • Sunnie
  • Volpi
  • Camille Rose
  • Cleanlogic
  • CocoKind
  • Inesscents
  • MaryRuth Organics
  • Matr Boomie
  • mommy’s Bliss
  • Oregons Wild Harvest
  • Pop & Bottle
  • Starlite
  • Sweet Leaf
  • Urban Moonshine
  • Truff
  • Grain Trust
  • Thunderbird
  • Fillo’s
  • Maria & Ricardo’s
  • Siete
  • Tucson Tamale Co
  • Brazi Bites
  • Deep
  • Patak’s
  • GTS
  • Fat And The Moon
  • So Good So You
  • Bela Olhao
  • Giovanni Hair Care
  • True Made Foods
  • Mason Dixie
  • Nona Lim
  • Star Anise Foods
  • Three Trees
  • Caulipower
  • Citra-Solv
  • Dufour
  • Purely Elizabeth
  • Aleias
  • Andean Dream
  • Bixby & Co.
  • Cado
  • Cape Cod Select
  • Crazy Richards
  • Eco-Kids
  • Essential Oxygen
  • Foodie’s Vegan
  • Grandpa’s Soap
  • Kirk’s
  • Lunchskins
  • Natalie’s
  • NuttZo
  • Olivia’s Croutons
  • Painterland Sisters
  • Radius
  • Rebel Green
  • South Of France
  • Sweet Loren’s
  • Wild Tonic
  • Open Water
  • Alexian
  • Bim Bam Boo
  • Jaju
  • Ralston Family Farms
  • Badger
  • Barr Necessities
  • BHU Foods
  • Chickapea Pasta
  • Earthworm
  • Elemental Herbs
  • Fruit Bliss
  • Go Macro
  • HealthForce SuperFoods
  • Honeybee Garden
  • Miss Jones
  • Mom’s Munchies
  • Namaste Foods
  • Otto’s Naturals
  • Planet
  • Sable & Rosenfeld
  • Skoy
  • Teeccino
  • Torani
  • Wundereggs
  • Nuts For Cheese

Want to lear more? Visit www.grocery.coop/diversity-strength


Everyone is welcome to shop at the Co-op; it is our mission and our pleasure to bring locally-sourced, reasonably priced, organic and natural products to all.

Owned by you. Food for all.

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