La cooperativa Consum, a Valencian cooperative, has marked its 50th anniversary with impressive financial results for 2024, reporting profits of 108.7 million euros, a 7.5% increase from the previous year. The cooperative's turnover reached 4,707.3 million euros, up by 7.3%. Antonio Rodríguez Lázaro, Consum's general director, highlighted the year's challenges due to 'high uncertainty' but praised the cooperative's significant growth in customer numbers, which has driven sales. Efforts to adjust gross margins, particularly in fresh produce, and stringent cost management have contributed to these results.
Consum has also announced the establishment of its first 'Nido' (Nest) in the Táctica Park of Paterna, a specialized center aimed at enhancing its online commerce capabilities in Valencia and its metropolitan area. This 16,000-square-meter warehouse, set to launch in 2026, represents a strategic move to centralize online orders and evolve beyond the current model of preparing online demand in stores for local distribution. Despite the higher costs associated with online sales, which accounted for 1.7% of total sales in 2024, Consum views this as an essential channel for future growth.
The cooperative's expansion strategy focuses on strengthening its presence in Castilla La Mancha and Andalucía, regions identified for their growth potential. With 90 stores in Castilla La Mancha and 39 in Andalucía, Consum plans to open logistics centers to reduce transportation costs and support a gradual increase in store openings. This approach reflects a broader ambition to consolidate its market share beyond its Valencian stronghold, where it trails closely behind Mercadona with a 26% market share.
Consum's achievements in 2024, including a 7% increase in member-customers to 4.9 million and investments exceeding 232.9 million euros primarily for organic growth, underscore its resilience and strategic vision. As the cooperative looks to the future, its dual focus on digital transformation and geographic expansion positions it well for continued success in Spain's competitive retail landscape.
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