Business & Tech

Fiddleheads Celebrates $1 Million Sales Year

Food co-op more than doubles earnings in 2011

In a brief ceremony during the on Saturday, celebrated its first year where sales exceeded $1 million.

Richard Virgin, president of the Fiddleheads board of directors, said sales typically increase for a period at the end of the year before slowing down to start a new year. He said the co-op bucked the trend at the start of last year.

"We were quite surprised when January was a better month than December, but even more surprised when February was even better than January," said Virgin.

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Fiddleheads reached the $1 million mark shortly before Christmas. Its total sales amounted to $1,033,000.

Virgin said stores such as the co-op are valuable in providing food options in urban areas. He said some cities are considered "urban deserts," with residents forced either to drive long distances to a supermarket or shop at a convenience store and have less food variety. He thanked several agencies for their assistance as well as the volunteers who work at the co-op.

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Rep. Joe Courtney, a member of the Agriculture Committee in the House of Representatives, said the banner sales year helps strengthen the argument that co-ops are part of a consumer-driven movement.

"What you're doing is providing a leadership role, so we get a more rational food policy," said Courtney.

Mayor Daryl Finizio noted that several new businesses have opened in New London and said the successful year at Fiddleheads is a good sign for the local economy.

"You can feel the energy. You can see the expansion, the jobs being added," he said. "I think this is the turning point New London has been waiting for."


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