The Co-Op was founded by the Rochdale Pioneers in 1844. The Co-Op group is special because it is run my its members who have a say in how the Co-Op is run. The Co-Op led the way for FairTrade; they were the first to sell FairTrade bananas and were the first to have their own line of FairTrade products. They were also the first to introduce degradable plastic bags. Not only is Co-Op the 5th biggest food retailer in the UK, they are also the number 1 funeral services provider in the UK, an insurer and they have a growing legal services. Ultimately, Co-Op is a company that works for its members.