The Co-op is on the hunt for the fourth wave of small food businesses to join its accelerated support scheme, the Apiary.
Applications for the scheme, which gives suppliers the chance to secure a listing on Co-op shelves, can be submitted until 5 February.
The convenience retailer said its Apiary scheme looked for suppliers with “a unique point of difference” that shared co-operative values, in a bid to “further promote diversity and inclusion” within its range.
Potential suppliers should be independently owned and have a turnover of under £1m.
Since the Apiary programme launched in 2022, there are now 27 suppliers in Co-op stores that have benefited from the scheme, supplying more than 70 product lines.
The most recent producers to launch at Co-op via the scheme included African-inspired soft drinks brand Cháps and high-protein cereal Eleat.
“It is exciting to begin the search for a fourth wave of suppliers to join our Incubator programme,” said Co-op head of commercial for drinks, frozen, community buying & the Apiary Rebecca Oliver-Mooney.
“We believe making it easier for early stage businesses to become retail ready and thrive is the right thing to do, not only to delight our members and customers in store, but helping agile new producers with the potential to disrupt and challenge the market to grow and develop to their next level.
“We know shoppers in a convenience setting look for great quality and innovation – products that make life easier, can be consumed on-the-go, or offer an element of indulgence – and we are looking for products with a real point of difference that can enthuse, excite and resonate with consumers.”
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