MILA in a nutshell: Not everything is organic, not everything is dirt cheap. Why is that?

But this is exactly what sometimes leads to misunderstandings:

• Why doesn’t MILA have dirt-cheap prices?
• And why does MILA also sell conventional products – and not just organic?

You can find our answers here!

Why does MILA also sell conventional products – and not just organic?

Because a purely organic range would exclude many people.

19% of our members have chosen the social share – for many, a supermarket with only organic products would simply not be affordable. By also offering conventional products, we give more people access to affordable food – and gradually make organic accessible to more people.

Because real freedom of choice counts.

We do not categorically exclude any products. Our members decide what stays on the shelf – depending on what is actually bought. That is real co-determination. We don’t want to be “perfect consumers” with a raised index finger – but a place of solidarity for many realities of life.

Because there is not a fair organic equivalent for every product.

Some organic products are simply (still) too expensive or not available. Instead of banning them completely, we offer a choice – and at the same time support the demand for organically produced goods. But one thing is also clear: if an organic product is close in price to a conventional one, we favour organic.

Because we understand that people have different needs and options.

We build bridges between ecological and social needs. At MILA, nobody should have to stay outside – just because a purely organic offer is beyond their budget. We also have room for people with a smaller budget, international tastes or pragmatic needs.

Why doesn’t MILA have cheap prices?

Because MILA does business differently – with solidarity instead of exploitation.

We pay farmers and producers fairly – without forcing them to their knees with price pressure. Low prices almost always come at the expense of people, animals and the environment. This is not in line with our values. MILA stands for respect, justice and ecological responsibility.

Because quality has its price – but remains affordable with us.

Our prices are calculated in such a way that good food does not become a luxury. We look for a realistic balance: as affordable and high quality as possible and necessary. And: if it costs a little more, it’s because someone along the supply chain has been paid fairly.

Because we don’t maximise profits, we care for people.

MILA is a co-operative – we belong to ourselves. Instead of expensive advertising or profit distribution, we offer a fixed, transparent surcharge of 30% on the net purchase price. No hidden margins. No price gimmicks.

Because our members help – instead of letting others work for them.

All members work three hours a month. This saves on labour costs – and lowers prices for everyone. But even with this solidarity-based structure, real discount prices are not feasible if we want to operate in a fair, sustainable and healthy way.

Because we want to consciously redistribute in solidarity.

MILA wants to be an inclusive, participatory supermarket in which everyone can take part – regardless of income. That’s why we are currently developing a solidarity pot that can be used to redistribute between members easily and without stigmatisation. In this way, we want to enable genuine participation – and at the same time ensure that our producers are also paid fairly.

Because we are stronger together.

Together in our cooperative, we achieve more than we ever could by making individual purchasing decisions. Perfectionism – only organic or completely plastic-free – can quickly become an insurmountable hurdle. We believe that change begins where many people can join in. Change happens in everyday life and doesn’t have to be perfect.