Ocado is launching its third annual competition to find Britain’s next top food and drink supplier.
The competition, which opens today, is looking for an up-and-coming supplier that is not currently stocked at Asda, Waitrose, Morrisons, Tesco or Sainsbury’s.
Entrants will need to pitch their product to Ocado buyers, who will whittle down the competition.
The winning product will be listed at Ocado and will receive a £20,000 marketing package.
The competition is designed for small businesses who “need a helping hand and some expert guidance on how to get in front of a major retailer”, Ocado said. Its 2014 winner, Hiver Beer, is still listed on Ocado and its sales grew five times faster than the rest of Ocado’s beer category last year.
Rose Price, head buyer at Ocado and judge, said she was looking for a product with “great customer appeal” that offered something different to the rest of the market. “But it isn’t just about having a brilliant product,” she added. “I’ll also be looking for a passionate supplier with some entrepreneurial flair and the willingness to work with us to make our partnership a success.”
Ocado chairman Stuart Rose said: “There are some truly fantastic producers in the UK and this competition could change their lives overnight, as winning would give even the smallest business the opportunity to distribute their product to Ocado customers across the nation.”
Entrants must apply before 17 April.
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