Harmony Foods joins national group

Harmony Natural Foods Co-op in Bemidji has become the 112th member of the National Cooperative Grocers Association, a member-owned cooperative of independent natural food co-op grocers nationwide.

"Retail food cooperatives are a strong and growing part of the natural and organic food market," NCGA CEO Robynn Shrader said in a news release. "Harmony Natural Foods Co-op has a rich history of serving their community and fostering a connection between shoppers and local food producers. We're delighted they are part of the NCGA family."

Since its founding in the 1970s, Harmony Foods has maintained its down-to-earth, vibrant, community-oriented identity.

It serves a remote but growing region of local food preservationists and is an integral part of the community, the news release stated.

The co-op emphasizes products from local, organic and socially responsible sources, and works to build connections among customers and farmers. Harmony Natural Foods Co-op believes that the purity, wholeness, nutrition and flavor of food contribute to the quality of life. The co-op is committed to good health, a clean environment and cultural diversity.

NCGA, founded in 1999, is a business services cooperative for consumer-owned food co-ops in the United States.

It is owned by 112 food co-ops operating more than 140 stores in 32 states with combined annual sales of more than $1 billion. NCGA helps unify natural food co-ops to optimize operational and marketing resources, strengthen purchasing power and ultimately offer more value.