GUELPH, ON, Nov. 1, 2018 /CNW/ - The Co-operators Group Limited is pleased to welcome its newest member organization, Scotian Gold Cooperative Limited, a grower-owned tree fruit co-operative based in Nova Scotia.  The Co-operators is an insurance and financial services co-operative with 45 members including co-operatives, credit union centrals and representative farm organizations.

"We are pleased to welcome Scotian Gold as our 45th member," said John Harvie, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of The Co-operators. "As an organization representing apple growers and farmers in Atlantic Canada, Scotian Gold will enrich our co-operative by bringing their diverse perspective to our governance."

"Scotian Gold is guided by the strong co-operative values that mirror our own. We're looking forward to growing our relationship with our newest member in the years to come," added Rob Wesseling, President and CEO of The Co-operators.

Scotian Gold stores and packs 60 percent of the apple production in Nova Scotia and is one of the largest operations of its kind in Eastern Canada with fruit arriving from 55 family operated apple orchards across the province. In addition to 35 grower owners, 20 farmers trust Scotian Gold to pack, store and market their fruit.

"We believe our partnership with The Co-operators will benefit our members, and the farmers and fruit growers in Eastern Canada. Scotian Gold looks forward to a productive, long-lasting relationship with this organization that shares our co-operative values and approach to business," said David Parrish, President and CEO of Scotian Gold Cooperative.

Together with its members, The Co-operators has built a strong, stable and growing national co-operative that delivers broad benefits to clients, communities, members and the co-operative and voluntary non-profit sectors.

About The Co-operators:

The Co-operators Group Limited is a Canadian co-operative with more than $41 billion in assets under administration. Through its group of companies it offers home, auto, life, group, travel, commercial and farm insurance, as well as investment products.  The Co-operators is well known for its community involvement and its commitment to sustainability. The Co-operators is listed among the Best Employers in Canada by Aon Hewitt and Corporate Knights' Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada. For more information, visit www.cooperators.ca.

SOURCE The Co-operators