FoodHub Munich: Five Years of Cooperative Success and Future Expansion
Munich, July 12, 2026 – The FoodHub, a cooperative organic supermarket located in Obergiesing, is celebrating its fifth anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its unique business model. What began with an initial goal of 800 members to sustain operations has blossomed into a thriving community of over 3,000 members. This success has paved the way for ambitious expansion plans, with a new location soon to open in Schwabing.
The FoodHub distinguishes itself through a cooperative structure where members actively participate in the supermarket’s operations. Each member contributes three hours of work per month, undertaking tasks such as cashier duties, stocking shelves, or assisting with goods reception. This direct involvement allows the FoodHub to offer organic products at prices approximately 20 percent lower than conventional organic stores in the area.
A Unique Model for Affordable Organic Goods
Kristin Mansmann, co-founder of the cooperative, initially anticipated the need for around 800 members to ensure the supermarket’s viability. Five years later, the Obergiesing branch boasts more than three times that number, demonstrating the strong community support for its model. The supermarket provides a comprehensive range of products, from fresh regional vegetables to daily essentials, with many items sourced directly from local farmers.
Friedrun Kehnel, a FoodHub employee, commented on the positive development: “It has developed very well.” She noted that the product range has been continuously adapted, with an increased selection of unpackaged foods and the introduction of textiles. The high level of interest and motivation among members remains a cornerstone of the FoodHub’s success.
Member Involvement and Operational Efficiency
The requirement for members to work three hours monthly is central to the FoodHub’s operational philosophy. While acknowledging that this commitment can be challenging for some, especially full-time employees, Kehnel emphasized the necessity of member participation for the cooperative’s functioning. “There are rules, and we simply need people to help out so that the whole thing works,” she stated. The cooperative also offers flexibility, allowing partners to share the monthly work hours.
This unpaid member contribution directly translates into cost savings, enabling the FoodHub to maintain its competitive pricing. Kehnel confirmed that the supermarket is approximately 20 percent cheaper than other organic retailers and has recently started operating profitably.
Jubilee Celebrations and Future Outlook
To commemorate its fifth anniversary, the FoodHub is hosting a jubilee week from Monday, July 12, to Saturday, July 19. During this period, the store at Deisenhofener Straße 40 will be open to non-members, offering a unique opportunity for the wider public to experience the cooperative. Daily from 4:00 PM (Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM), suppliers will be on-site to present and offer tastings of their products. The celebration also includes an evening program featuring tasting events, a fermentation workshop on Monday at 7:00 PM, and disco shopping on July 17 from 5:00 PM.
Expansion to Schwabing
The success of the Obergiesing location has inspired expansion. Kehnel revealed that the FoodHub plans to open a new store in Schwabing. Approximately 300 Schwabing residents have already expressed interest in becoming members, demonstrating a clear demand for the cooperative model in other parts of the city. The search for a suitable location in or near the district is currently underway.
The FoodHub’s journey over the past five years underscores the viability of community-driven initiatives in providing sustainable and affordable access to organic produce. Its continued growth and planned expansion highlight a growing trend towards cooperative consumption and local sourcing in Munich.
