These figures, representing 6.31% of the Valencian Gross Domestic Product (GDP), highlight the cooperative model's ability to generate stable and quality employment, as well as to offer solutions to social challenges such as unemployment and demographic decline.
A report prepared by the Confederation of Cooperatives of the Valencian Community (CONCOVAL) and CIRIEC-Spain reveals that in 2025, 145 new cooperatives were created, bringing the total to 2,510 entities with 2.7 million cooperativists. This growth has been constant over the last decade, with 1,808 new cooperatives since 2015, distributed across the provinces of Alicante, Valencia, and Castellón.
“"More than half of the Valencian population has been a cooperativist throughout 2025, emphasizing that this model generates stable and quality employment, as many workers are also partners."
The province of Valencia concentrates the largest number of cooperatives, with a notable presence in the city of València and the Ribera Alta region. In Alicante, L'Alacantí and Vega Baja stand out, while in Castellón, Plana Alta is prominent. Cooperativism is also expanding into emerging sectors such as energy communities and cohousing, offering innovative alternatives in key areas like housing and energy.
Associated labor cooperatives are the main growth engine, especially in education, where they serve over 25,000 students. The agri-food sector leads sales with 7.625 billion euros, consolidating itself as a fundamental pillar in the economy and exports, with over 84% of production destined for foreign markets. Furthermore, credit cooperatives play an important role in the regional financial system, with higher growth rates than banks and savings banks.
Female employment in the Valencian cooperative sector stands at 57.5%, five points above the national average, reinforcing its role as a driver of equality and social cohesion.
