Co-operative Wholesale Society (CWS)

The Co-operative Wholesale Society (CWS) was a British organization founded in the mid-19th century to support cooperative societies. It functioned as a wholesale distributor, providing goods to local co-ops which were owned and run by their members. This allowed communities to access products at fair prices and promote mutual assistance. Over time, CWS expanded to include various industries, including food production and retail. It played a significant role in the cooperative movement, emphasizing principles like democratic control and shared profits, ultimately contributing to the development of the modern cooperative sector in the UK and beyond.