Co-operative run food store in Diss celebrates one year

A long-running independent shop is celebrating a year as a co-operative.

The Natural Foodstore, in Norfolk House Yard, Diss, became a co-operative following the retirement of its previous owner, Marian Meiracker, last year.

A successful kickstarter campaign followed to keep the shop alive, backed by regular customers.

The store was originally founded as a market stall in the 1970s before setting up shop in the ‘80s.

It now sells a range of vegetarian and vegan-friendly whole foods, with an array of organic, local, Fairtrade and allergy-concious health foods and remedies.

The co-operative, which is not-for-profit, has five members, Suzanne Breeze, Rebecca Everall, Faye Jackson, Monique Gregson and Janine Ledesma.

They say their band of regular customers and, more recently, a rise in the number young people becoming more health and ecologically aware, has meant a successful first year in the Heritage Triangle.

“We also see many visitors who come to visit the triangle itself, which they all say is beautiful,” said Suzanne this week.