The Co-op is set to open 75 food stores across the UK this year with plans to refurbish existing branches.

The new supermarket stores will be both Co-op and franchise-run, building on an increase in franchises in 2024, including on more university campus sites, a first Co-op in a hospital, and petrol forecourts.

Matt Hood, Co-op’s managing director, said: “We want everyone to have easy and convenient access to a Co-op store, wherever they live, and this year we are completely focused on…