Since 1991, JCCU has been organizing annual training programs, except during the COVID-19 pandemic, for managers of consumer co-ops and cooperatives in Asia and the Pacific to learn about the businesses and activities of Japanese Co-ops.

This winter, eight co-op managers from cooperatives operating food retail stores in five Asian countries (South Korea, Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia) were invited to Japan to take part in a 14-day training program from November 4 to November 17, 2024. The program offered valuable insights into the operations and activities of Japanese consumer co-ops through visits to three prominent locations: JCCU headquarters in Tokyo, Co-opdeli Consumers' Co-operative Union in Saitama, and Co-op Kobe in Kobe.

During the program, the trainees explored solutions to challenges faced by their cooperatives, including addressing the role of cooperatives in an aging society, understanding consumer needs amid the rise of dual-income households, differentiating from competitors, implementing SDGs in stores, and leveraging technology.

At JCCU, the trainees learned about the general overview of Japanese consumer co-ops, the CO・OP Brand Products policy, and the Consumer Co-op 2030 Environmental Sustainability Policy. They also visited the Kagawa Toyohiko Memorial Matsuzawa Museum to learn about Toyohiko Kagawa, the father of the Japanese cooperative movement, and the history of cooperatives in Japan.

At Co-opdeli, the trainees received lectures on the businesses and activities of Co-opdeli Consumers' Co-operative Union and Co-op Mirai, as well as on SDGs and social contribution activities. After that, they inspected Co-op Mirai Minamiurawa store and the Coop Deli Delica Center which produces side dishes and were briefed on the work process.

 　　　　　　　　　　　 

At Coop Kobe, the trainees received lectures and participated in site visits that encompassed a broad spectrum of topics. These included home delivery services, support for shopping through mobile stores, the creation of community spaces, employment support for individuals with disabilities, as well as marketing and Digital Transformation (DX) initiatives.

 　　　　　　　　　　 

In the final presentation session, the trainees shared their impressions and the key takeaways from the program. They expressed appreciation for initiatives such as environmental preservation through product purchases and contributions to building schools for children in Africa. They also noted the wide selection of products, including desserts and ready-made meals, which reflect current consumer demand, and found participation in community activities through apps particularly interesting. The trainees reported how they planned to implement the lessons learned in their own organizations.

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