I Gruppi di Acquisto Solidale - GAS

The Gruppi di Acquisto Solidale, or Solidarity Purchase Groups – SPG, in Italy have emerged in 1994 and consolidated as a type of critical consumerism, consumers getting organised in order to get control of the food they consume.They were born as networks run by citizen-consumers animated by the goal of applying the principle of solidarity in daily purchase–consumption activities.

Their strategy includes: solidarity, respect of the environment, developing synergies and socialisation. The products are seasonal, organic, locally produced, from small farm with direct selling, organising distribution between the participants, reducing packaging and transport, planning with the producers, social control the quality, promotion of trust and cooperation within the network.

Network of G.A.S.

The RETEDESproposes a management platform to all the GAS in the country. In 2022 there were 375 GAS registered. The DES -Distretti di Economia Solidale - group several GAS in limited geographical areas.