Our product range

Not everything is organic, not everything is dirt cheap. Why is that?

• How do we design our product range?
• Why doesn’t MILA offer incredibly cheap prices?
• And why does MILA also offer conventional products – and not just organic ones?

Here you’ll find our answers!

Why is our product range different?

Because you help decide what’s on the shelf.

At MILA, decisions aren’t made by a central purchasing team alone, but by all of us together. Every member can suggest new products – ensuring that the product range is a good fit for the people who shop here. This results in a diverse, inclusive selection that is constantly evolving.

Because we shop consciously.

We source our products from small producers, production cooperatives – and also from wholesalers. Crucially, we maintain a good, fair partnership on equal terms, without price pressure. MILA operates with people, animals, and the environment in mind – not profit maximization. In conventional supermarkets, price often dictates what ends up on the shelves – for us, different criteria apply: regionality, seasonality, environmental protection, packaging reduction, animal welfare, fair working conditions, and cultural diversity. At MILA, you won’t find price wars or loss leaders – instead, you’ll find honest food under honest conditions.

Because you help determine our product range.

At MILA, you help decide what ends up on the shelves. Is your favorite product missing? Then simply suggest it – either by writing it down in the product range folder at reception or digitally via the MILA member platform. Our team regularly checks all suggestions: If the product is already available, you’ll receive a notification. If it’s not yet available, we’ll try to source it through our suppliers. If that works out, your request will soon be on the shelves. And your shopping habits matter too: Products that are frequently purchased remain in our range – others make room for new items. This is how we create a selection that truly reflects our store’s values.

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

Because a purely organic product range would exclude many.

19% of our members opted for the social component – ​​for many, a supermarket selling exclusively organic products would simply be unaffordable. By also offering conventional products, we enable more people to access affordable food – and gradually make organic food accessible to more people as well.

Because genuine freedom of choice matters.

We don’t categorically exclude any products. Our members decide what stays on the shelves – based on what’s actually bought. That’s co-determination in action. We don’t want to be “perfect consumers” with a raised finger – but rather a place of solidarity for many different life experiences.

Because there isn’t a fair trade organic equivalent for every product.

Some products are simply too expensive or unavailable in organic form (still). Instead of banning them entirely, we offer a selection – and at the same time support the demand for organically produced goods. But it’s also clear: if an organic product is priced similarly to a conventional one, we give preference to the organic option.

Because we understand that people have different needs and abilities.

We build bridges between ecological and social needs. At MILA, no one should be left out – just because a purely organic selection is beyond their budget. We also have room for people with smaller budgets, international tastes, or pragmatic needs.

Why doesn’t MILA offer incredibly cheap prices?

Because MILA does business differently – in a spirit of solidarity rather than exploitation.

We pay farmers and producers fairly – without forcing them to their knees with price pressure. Rock-bottom prices almost always come at the expense of people, animals, and the environment. That doesn’t align with our values. MILA stands for respect, justice, and ecological responsibility.

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

Our prices are calculated so that good food doesn’t become a luxury. We strive 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 maximize profits, we provide for people.

MILA is a cooperative – we own our own products. Instead of expensive advertising or profit distributions, we offer a fixed, transparent markup of 30% on the net purchase price. No hidden margins. No pricing tricks.

Because our members help out – instead of having others do the work for them.

All members contribute three hours of work per month. This saves on personnel costs – and thus lowers prices for everyone. However, even with this solidarity-based structure, true discount prices are not feasible if we simultaneously want to operate fairly, sustainably, and responsibly.

Because we consciously want to redistribute in a spirit of solidarity.

MILA aims to be an inclusive, participatory supermarket where everyone can participate – regardless of income. We have a solidarity fund that allows for easy and stigmatizing redistribution among members. In this way, we want to enable genuine participation – and at the same time ensure that our producers are paid fairly.

Because together we are stronger.

Together in our cooperative, we achieve more than individual purchasing decisions ever could. Perfectionism – exclusively organic or completely plastic-free – can quickly become an insurmountable obstacle. We believe: Change begins where many can participate. Change happens in everyday life and doesn’t have to be perfect.

Our amazing producers at a glance