Mississippi Market

What Mississippi Market does

Mississippi Market Co-op is a member-owned natural foods grocery cooperative founded in 1979 and headquartered in Saint Paul, Minnesota, operating three retail storefronts (West 7th, Selby, and East 7th) that collectively serve over 25,000 member-owners and the broader Saint Paul community. The co-op runs a full-line grocery assortment organized into produce, deli and catering, meat and seafood, cheese, bakery, bulk, wellness, and grocery departments, with over 200 organic produce SKUs stocked at any given time and more than 90% of meat sourced from regional farms across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. Revenue is generated through per-transaction retail sales across all departments, supplemented by Market Made catering for events, special-order case purchasing with member-tier discounts, and multiple savings programs (Co+op Deals, Owner Deals, Co+op Basics, LIME, Senior Savings) that segment pricing between member-owners and the general public.

The business operates on a traditional brick-and-mortar retail model with standard POS and inventory systems; there is no proprietary technology platform, e-commerce storefront, or mobile app described in available sources. Marketing is executed through a weekly sales flyer, an active blog featuring recipes and producer profiles, an email newsletter, Facebook and Instagram accounts, in-store cooking classes, and participation in the cooperative-wide deals.coop cross-promotion network. The co-op has cultivated deep, direct supply relationships with over 30 local farms and small producers, supporting a differentiated assortment that mainstream grocers cannot easily replicate.

Effective January 1, 2026, Mississippi Market Co-op consolidated with River Market Community Co-op to form Rivers Cooperative Markets, creating a combined member-controlled entity with an 11-member board drawn from both legacy co-ops and a three-year plan to consolidate governance to nine members. The organization is led by CEO Catherine Downey and employs 251-500 people across its Saint Paul operations, with no disclosed revenue, no outside funding rounds, and no public-trading status.

Name

Mississippi Market

Legal name

Mississippi Market Co-op

Website

https://msmarket.coop

Company type

Private

Founded year

1979

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Mississippi Market Co-op is a member-owned natural foods grocery cooperative operating three retail stores in Saint Paul, Minnesota, serving over 25,000 member-owners with locally sourced, organic produce, meat, deli, and wellness assortments and recently merged with River Market Community Co-op to form Rivers Cooperative Markets.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Natural Foods Grocery Retail

NAICS

Grocery and Convenience Retailers (4451), Specialty Food Retailers (4452)

SIC

Retail-Grocery Stores (5411)

akta.pro primary industry

Member-Owned Food Cooperatives (CRAHALAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Farm-to-Consumer Cooperative Markets (Local Producer Co-ops) (CRAHALAG), Food Co-ops with In-Store Prepared Foods & Deli (CRAHALAF)

Keywords

• Natural foods grocery
• Cooperative retail grocery
• Organic produce retail
• Deli catering services
• Local farm sourcing

Headquarters

HQ city

Saint Paul

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Retail Grocery Sales: The primary revenue stream is retail sales of natural and organic groceries across multiple departments (produce, bakery, cheese, deli, grocery, meat, seafood, wellness, and bulk). Sales are open to the general public, with member-owners receiving additional discounts and deals.
2. Deli & Catering: In-house deli featuring grab-and-go items, made-to-order smoothies and juices, a full-service coffee bar, and Market Made catering for events. Catering generates revenue from wholesale/event food service.
3. Membership Fees / Member Investment: Community members become member-owners of the co-op. While membership itself is not described as a direct revenue fee, the co-op's democratic ownership structure means member-owners fund and sustain the cooperative. Special orders placed by members generate 10% discount (member) vs 5% (non-member) case-order discounts, incentivizing membership purchases.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Mississippi Market Co-op is a member-owned cooperative grocery store operating three physical retail locations in Saint Paul, Minnesota. It sells natural and organic groceries across departments including produce, deli and catering, meat and seafood, cheese, bakery, bulk, wellness, and grocery staples. The co-op emphasizes locally sourced, sustainably produced, and minimally packaged goods, with over 25,000 member-owners participating in democratic governance.

Product overview

Mississippi Market Co-op is a full-service natural foods grocery store and cooperative based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, operating three locations. Rather than a unified software platform, it operates as a traditional retail grocery business offering multiple departments including Produce (with over 200 organic items), Deli & Catering, Meat & Seafood, Cheese, Bakery, Bulk, Wellness, and Grocery. The co-op also provides services such as Special Orders (case quantity purchasing with member discounts), Co-op Membership (with over 25,000 member-owners), Gift Cards, and various savings programs (Co+op Deals, Owner Deals). The company emphasizes sustainably sourced, organically grown, locally produced, and minimally packaged products with strong partnerships with regional farms and food producers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Natural Foods Grocery Store Full-service natural foods grocery store providing sustainably sourced food including fresh produce, meats, seafood, dairy, bakery items, wellness products, and grocery staples, with emphasis on organic, locally produced, and minimally packaged goods, available to general public and member-owners in Saint Paul, MN.
• Deli & Catering (Market Made)

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 90% of the meat sold is locally sourced
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

58 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Featherstone Farm (Rushford, MN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFeatherstone Farm produces over 40 different fresh crops for delivery to food co-ops and other Midwest food outlets, and operates a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. Their philosophy is rooted in holistic, sustainable production systems. Mississippi Market features Featherstone Farm produce prominently.
• Wisconsin Growers Cooperative (Western Wisconsin)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded in 2006 to help Amish families maintain farmland ownership, now comprised of approximately 29 small family farms dedicated to approved organic farming methods. More than 40 acres are farmed without fossil fuels. Provides seasonal produce to Mississippi Market including salad greens, tomatoes, and herbs.
• Harmony Valley Farm (Viroqua, WI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFamily-owned, diversified organic farm with 200 acres producing certified organic vegetables and berries. Dedicated to organic farming and protecting water quality and wildlife. All products certified by Midwest Organic Services Association. Featured in Mississippi Market recipes and produce departments.
• Twin Organics (Northfield, MN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCertified organic vegetable farm run by brothers Jacob and Andrew Helling. Believes in healthy soil and sustainable practices, using high-quality plants nurtured in greenhouses transplanted into carefully cultivated organic soil.
• Pleasant Valley Community Farm (Baldwin, WI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDedicated to sustainable and organic farming practices, offering fresh, organic, non-GMO vegetables and fruits grown by local Amish farmers.
• Urban Greens (Columbia Heights, MN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndoor hydroponic farm founded in 2017 by engineers Andrew and Joel. Committed to producing the highest quality herbs using responsible and sustainable growing practices in their local community.
• O'Neill Family FarmcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTwenty-five years dedicated to a perennial, never-tilled prairie pasture ecosystem producing lamb, beef, and eggs. Located within the ancestral lands of the Great Sioux Nation, the farm focuses on soil regeneration, carbon sequestration, and harmonious integration of sun, water, milk, and grass.
• Beeler's Pork (Le Mars, IA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSix generations of expertise producing premium quality, antibiotic-free Heritage Duroc pork products. Free from gestation crates, antibiotics, and GMOs with a focus on humane practices and minimal additives.
• Tree-Range FarmscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded by Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin, pioneering regenerative poultry farming on a 65-acre farm. Inspired by ancestral knowledge, restoring land with native species like hazelnut and elderberries. Works with the Regenerative Agriculture Alliance and emerging farmers including women, veterans, and immigrants.
• Ferndale Market (Cannon Falls, MN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThird-generation turkey farm raising all-natural, free-range turkeys without antibiotics or artificial growth promotants for over 74 years. Products available in over 75 retail stores throughout the Midwest. Collaborates with other local family farms.
• Kadejan (Glenwood, MN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBegan custom processing pheasants and hens in 1989. Kadejan chickens are raised naturally in small flocks, free roaming and never caged, fed whole grains. Featured in Mississippi Market's deli BBQ chicken sandwich.
• Schultz Organic Farm (Owatonna, MN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFamily using organic farming methods since great-grandfather's time. Sells the freshest eggs possible — candled and graded the same day as laid. Free-range, organic turkeys and chickens fed organic flax seeds, small grains, pasture grasses and bugs.
• Thousand Hills Cattle Co. (Clearwater, MN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHolistically grazes 100% grass-fed cattle, promoting long-term health, wellness, and environmental sustainability. Cattle are never given antibiotics, artificial hormones, GMOs, grain, or grain byproducts. Collaborates with over 50 family farms across the U.S., affecting more than 600,000 acres.
• Bryn Mawr Soap (Minneapolis, MN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded in January 2000 by Karen Soderberg and Stephen Harvey. Aromatic handcrafted soaps using natural essential oils retain all glycerin content, making them extra moisturizing. Carried in Mississippi Market's wellness department.
• Sunleaf Naturals (Waconia, MN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded in 2007 by Teresa Andrys. Fresh, plant-based products that are 100% biodegradable with recyclable and compostable packaging. Donates 5% of profits to water conservation efforts and pollinator research. Featured in wellness department.
• HiBarcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded by four friends with a mission to rid the bathroom of plastic. All-natural shampoo and conditioner bars made with plant-based ingredients. Cardboard and paper packaging is recyclable and compostable, resulting in zero plastic waste.
• Komoni (Wayzata, MN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded in 2015 by Evangeline Stacy. Therapeutic bath and body care products made in small batches using plant-based ingredients and recyclable, locally sourced packaging. No synthetic chemicals, fragrances, or parabens. A percentage of net sales donated to Clean the World Foundation.
• Whistling Well Farm (Hastings, MN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded in 1972 in the St. Croix River Valley, dedicated to sustainable apple farming. Uses integrated pest management and an on-site weather station in partnership with Cornell University. Grows SweeTango and First Kiss apple varieties. Mississippi Market features their apples.
• Glacial Ridge Growers (Glenwood, MN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSustainable greenhouse operation using beneficial predatory insects for natural pest control. Provides Mississippi Market's Plant Sale with certified organic vegetables and herbs, annuals, and hardy perennials.
• Green Earth Growers (Prior Lake, MN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommitted since 2004 to producing quality annual flowers and vegetables in accordance with national organic standards. Provides Mississippi Market with exceptional organic tomatoes and unusual vegetables.
• Rush Creek Growers (Spring Valley, WI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides creative, practical, and delightful plant options using innovative, ethical, and environmentally-friendly practices including compost tea, beneficial insects and fungi, compostable pots, and rainwater retention.
• Prairie Smoke Gardens (St. Paul, MN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMini-farm operating since 2018 with the goal of increasing food production close to where people live. Uses cover cropping, no-till soil management, perennial fruit production, and native plantings. Operates a neighborhood CSA.
• Northwood Mushrooms (Clayton, WI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStarted inoculating logs in 2008. Grows mushrooms organically on logs, in-ground, and indoors with a focus on local, organic practices and minimal embodied energy. Prioritizes sustainability, quality, freshness, affordability, and transparency.
• The Barefoot Garden Center (Blaine, MN)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFamily business curating plant varieties based on yield, flavor, storage holding, disease resistance, hardiness, and growth habit. Inoculates all potted plants with over 800 university-studied beneficial microorganisms. Provides fruit trees and bushes for Mississippi Market's Plant Sale.
• Angelica's Garden (Elmwood, WI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGrows two acres of organic green cabbage, Napa cabbage, garlic, and daikon radishes. Makes kimchi, sauerkraut, and other raw fermented products on site in their farmhouse.
• Bare Honey (Minnesota)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProduces and distributes chemical- and antibiotic-free, single-source, 100% pure honey in flavors including Raw Wildflower, Clover, Lavender Blossom, Vanilla Bean, Chocolate, Cinnamon, Hot & Spicy. Also provides pollination for Minnesota-grown fruits and vegetables.
• Farmer to Farmer (Glenwood City, WI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimarily volunteer-run nonprofit supporting international peace and mutually beneficial friendships among rural farmers. Operates a fair-trade coffee business collaborating with Guatemalan and Honduran farmers, bringing ethically traded, organically grown coffee to the Upper Midwest.
• La Perla Tortilleria (Minnesota)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded in 1994 by Jose and Noemi Payan after moving from Chicago. Makes and sells tortillas with dozens of employees and multiple locations, producing more tortillas than anyone else in the city.
• Organic Valley (Western WI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFarmer-owned cooperative supporting rural communities by protecting the health of family farms. Founded over 25 years ago with seven farmers; now includes over 1,800 family farms producing high-quality local dairy products.
• Peace Coffee (Minnesota)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSince 1996, purchasing only organic, fair trade coffees from small-scale grower cooperatives. Delivers by bike, hand labels, and taste-tests each batch. Featured in Mississippi Market's bulk section.
• Tempeh TantrumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHand makes fresh East Javanese-style tempeh in small batches using local organic soybeans. Makes soy tempeh and soy-free black bean tempeh sold at Mississippi Market.
• Triple Crown BBQ (Minneapolis, MN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCreated by Richard Schaaf over 15 years, winning three blue ribbons at the Minnesota State Fair. Made in small batches in Minneapolis with quality ingredients. Featured in Mississippi Market's deli as Triple Crown BBQ Sauce used in the BBQ Chicken Sandwich.
• Whole Grain Milling Co. (Welcome, MN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStarted by Doug and Lin Hilgendorf after certifying their farm organic in 1989. Grows and mills a wide variety of grains, often rolling oats the day before they arrive at the co-op.
• Graise Farm (Faribault, MN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocated 45 minutes south of St. Paul. Free-range ducks fed certified organic grains, producing delicious eggs sold at Mississippi Market.
• Hoyo Sambusa (Bloomington, MN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded on the goal of employing and empowering Somali women. Named 'Hoyo' meaning 'mother' in Somali. Each sambusa is hand-folded using a recipe from Halima, a mother of six. Authentic traditional Somali cuisine.
• Deer Creek Cheese (Sheboygan, WI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBrings the best and most consistent cheeses by hand selecting outstanding specialty vats. Develops and handcrafts unique originals and renovates classic heritage varieties.
• Marieke Gouda (Thorp, WI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded by Marieke Penterman, born in the Netherlands. Started a 350-cow dairy farm and began producing authentic Dutch gouda in Wisconsin. First woman to win Wisconsin Outstanding Young Farmer award in 2015. All equipment, cultures, herbs, and spices imported from Holland.
• Milton Creamery (Milton, IA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResult of a dream to help others in the agricultural world, adding value to milk for dairy farmers, creating local jobs, and bringing artisan cheese products from Southeast Iowa.
• Redhead Creamery (Brooten, MN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWoman-owned and -operated artisan farmstead cheese company since 2013. Named after co-owner Alise Sjostrom. Cheese made directly on the family dairy farm, allowing unique ability to adjust milk fat and protein levels.
• Rochdale FarmscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCreated by Mary Bess Michaletz and Bentley Lein to foster growth of small local dairy producers. Makes artisan cheeses, hand-rolled butters, and cream-top yogurts. Most milk comes from over 325 small Amish family farms in Wisconsin and Minnesota.
• Brake Bread (St. Paul, MN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity-supported bakery delivering fresh baked goods via bicycle within St. Paul. All breads naturally leavened (sourdough) with certified organic grains supporting Minnesota farmers. Available at Selby and West 7th locations.
• Saint Paul Bagelry (St. Paul, MN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWoman-owned, family-run business baking over 4,000 New York-style bagels from scratch every day, delivered fresh daily to Mississippi Market. All-natural with no preservatives.
• Intown Sushi (Minnesota)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOwned by Than Zaw, supplying sushi to Minnesotans for over a decade. Traditionally trained chefs make fresh, authentic sushi and poke bowls every morning, sourcing from local suppliers.
• ChiyaChai (Minneapolis, MN)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBacked by two husband-and-wife teams with deep family history as tea merchants. Freshly brewed chai in Minneapolis with tea and spices sourced directly from Nepal, India, and nearby regions.
• MinnTofu (St. Paul, MN)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal startup by Yan Small focused on wholesome, environmentally sustainable plant-based foods using locally farmed soybeans. Founded in 2018 in partnership with Rafik Moore.
• BachansminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded by Justin Gill based on a family sauce recipe passed down for generations. 'Bachan' means 'grandma' in Japanese. Sauces made in small batches with high quality, non-GMO ingredients. Cold-filled with no additives or preservatives.
• Fly By JingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded by Jing Gao to share bold flavors of her native Chengdu, starting with a roving supper club. Named after Chengdu's 'fly restaurants.' Evolved into a line of sauces and spices designed for home kitchens.
• Gimme SeaweedminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-founded by native Korean Anni Chun and partner Steve. Pioneered the world's first USDA Certified and Non-GMO Project Verified seaweed snacks.
• Maya KaimalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded by chef Maya Kaimal, inspired by visiting family in South India. Launched refrigerated sauces and condiments in 2003 to bring quality Indian products to grocery stores.
• Mother In Law'sminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded by Lauryn Chun in 2009 before kimchi gained popularity. Korean American-owned business sharing authentic, handcrafted kimchi and gochujang using finest natural ingredients.
• OmsomminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded by Kim and Vanessa Pham, sisters and daughters of Vietnamese refugees. 'Om Sòm' means noisy and rambunctious in Vietnamese. Promises loud, unapologetic flavors in noodles and sauces.
• SanzominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded by Filipino-American Sandro Roco to highlight unique Asian flavors through clean, natural beverages. Low in sugar, made with real fruit juice.
• Health Ade KombuchaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-founded by Vanessa Dew, started brewing kombucha and selling at Los Angeles farmers' markets. Discovered Asian culture's affinity for fermented beverages. Organic, non-GMO, gluten free, vegan, and loaded with probiotics.
• East Side Table (East Saint Paul, MN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit comprised of 13 community organizations working together to make cooking at home easier for the East Saint Paul community. Partners with Mississippi Market on budget cooking class series. Put together budget tips for co-op shoppers.
• Dream of Wild Health (Minneapolis/St. Paul)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of the oldest Native-led nonprofits in the Twin Cities. Promotes health and wellness through culturally grounded youth leadership and food access programs. Source of Mississippi Market's Three Sisters Soup recipe.
• Open Arms of Minnesota (Minneapolis, MN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal nonprofit preparing and delivering medically tailored meals at no cost to critically ill Minnesotans. Source of Mississippi Market's Peanut Stew recipe. Meals created by chefs and a registered dietitian.
• Rivers Co-op MarketscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFollowing the consolidation of Mississippi Market Co-op and River Market Community Co-op, the new combined entity Rivers Cooperative Markets was officially established as of January 1, 2026. The board consists of members from each co-op's board, totaling 11, with a three-year plan to reduce to nine.
• Cornell UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Whistling Well Farm for an on-site weather station providing critical data on temperature, humidity, and precipitation to help predict pest and disease outbreaks.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Lakewinds Food Co-op: Minnesota-based natural foods cooperative serving the western Twin Cities metro with multiple locations, organic focus, and member ownership. Comparable in operating model and product mix to Mississippi Market, with adjacent geographic reach.
• Seward Co-op: Member-owned natural foods cooperative operating two stores in Minneapolis (Franklin Avenue and Friendship store), serving the Twin Cities with a similar local, organic, and community-ownership positioning. It is the closest geographic and structural peer to Mississippi Market.
• Valley Natural Foods: Member-owned natural foods cooperative in Burnsville, MN, with a similar focus on local, organic, and sustainably sourced groceries, deli, and wellness. Comparable community-owned retail format serving the southern Twin Cities.
• Wedge Community Co-op (Wedge Co-op): Long-standing Minneapolis natural foods co-op with a similar member-owned model, focus on local and organic, and comparable produce, deli, wellness, and bulk departments. Directly comparable on size, structure, and Twin Cities geography.
• People's Food Co-op (Rochester): Member-owned natural foods cooperative in Rochester, MN, with similar organic/local positioning, deli service, and community programs (LIME-equivalent accessibility pricing). Comparable in cooperative retail model and Minnesota footprint.

Regional players

• Lunds & Byerlys: Twin Cities-based premium grocery chain known for quality produce, local sourcing, and prepared foods. Direct regional competitor for the same health-conscious, higher-income Twin Cities shopper and overlapping local-producer partnerships.

Broad incumbents

• Sprouts Farmers Market: Specialty natural foods grocer with a fresh-produce-forward model, bulk department, and natural wellness assortment. Comparable in category mix (produce, bulk, wellness, deli) but with a broader geographic footprint and corporate ownership.
• Hy-Vee: Employee-owned Midwestern supermarket chain with deep Twin Cities presence, broad grocery assortment, and expanding natural/organic and prepared foods offerings. Comparable as a regional incumbent competing for the same household grocery trips.
• Natural Grocers: U.S. specialty natural and organic grocery chain with a curated assortment emphasizing quality and affordability. Comparable in organic, natural, and supplement-heavy assortment, though operates as a publicly traded chain rather than a cooperative.
• Whole Foods Market: National premium natural and organic grocery retailer with a strong Twin Cities presence. Comparable in product mix (organic produce, local sourcing, prepared foods) but operates at much greater scale, with broader assortment and an integrated digital/Prime channel.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/msmarketcoop
• Instagraminstagram.com/msmarketcoop
• Xx.com/msmarketcoop
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/msmarketcoop

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Mississippi Market