Trinity Wholefoods: 40 Years of co-operation, community and ethical food

In 1985, when Trinity Wholefoods first opened its doors in the Sussex seaside town of Hastings, the co-operative had a policy as uncompromising as it was unusual: no added sugar in any of its products. It was a bold stance - rooted in a passionate belief in food purity, ethical sourcing and natural living. While a sweet tooth might sneak past the tills today, the spirit of that original commitment remains: to source and sell food that is good for people, the planet and producers. 

Now, celebrating its 40th anniversary, the worker co-op continues to embody those founding values - thriving not only as a trusted community shop but as a living, breathing example of co-operative principles in action. 

Nikki Gedney supplied the co-operative with locally produced food from her deli business – even using Trinity’s kitchen - before joining as a worker owner 10 years ago. “I wasn’t allowed to leave,” joked Nikki. “But there’s so many positives. One of the most important things is the support the members give each other. There's a commitment to being a business owner, but it’s not all your responsibility – the responsibility is shared.” 

Over four decades Trinity Wholefoods has grown into a beloved community hub. The shelves brim with organic fruit and veg, locally baked bread, hand-prepared takeaway food and eco-conscious household goods - all selected with care and integrity. 

Nikki said: “The ethos has stayed pretty much the same. The co-op was set up by people with limited retail experience, but all had similar values and wanted to provide the local community with good, local food at an affordable price. That ethos has kept us going.” 

Trinity has maintained its commitment to local sourcing, helping to keep money circulating in the local economy while supporting nearby growers and small producers. They also source products from co-operatives including Infinity Foods, Essential and Suma. Their long-standing refusal to stock genetically modified products underscores a deep-rooted ethos of food integrity. 

It has not all been smooth sailing over the 40 years. Twelve months before covid struck, Trinity opened a refill shop that was subsequently forced to close after two years as social distancing and lockdowns took hold. The pandemic had multiple ramifications – but also demonstrated an ability to adapt to a very different economic and social climate, through initiatives including online ordering and home deliveries.  

Nikki said: “It was quite incredible to put things in place so quickly when under so much external stress. Collective decision-making can be tough and time-consuming, but the challenges of Covid demonstrated that it can also be a speedy process, especially when the worker owners are all focused on the business’ long-term sustainability and success. 

And the workers look out for each other and their customers. Mel Arnold had previously managed a care home before seizing the opportunity to join the Trinity team. Mel, a qualified herbalist, has now been a worker-owned for six years. She said: “A lot of customers who come in ask for advice – so it’s still caring for people but in a different way.” 

Caring is a central theme. Mel added: “I didn’t have a sick day off in 22 years (in the care industry). I’d go into work ill. But at the end of the day we’re not machines. There’s nothing worse than having to work to pay bills and feeling stressed because you’re in a working environment that works against you. 

“So it’s about choosing an ethical job - and most people are more productive when they’re happier.” 

As they mark Trinity's 40th anniversary, its worker-owners aren’t resting on their laurels. They’re planning for the future, continuing to build on the ethical foundations laid down by their founders, and ensuring the co-operative remains a beacon for food justice, co-operation and community wellbeing. It’s an approach that resonates with customers young and old. 

Nikki said: “We’ve customers that have shopped here from the day we opened. We’re also still getting new customers and that’s fantastic. There’s whole new generations of families that are concerned not only with the environment, but also animal welfare, recycling, the food they eat and where it comes from. People know what they are getting here.”  

Today's shop window display will soon feature a limited edition 40th anniversary tote bag and tea towel after Trinity collaborated with a local artist. A £1 donation from every sale will benefit local animal welfare charity Barby Keel Animal Sanctuary.