Co-op is making changes to its Apiary programme to enable it to work with more smaller suppliers at “different stages in their brand journey”.
The convenience retailer’s Apiary scheme is due to see its third wave of suppliers listed in its stores later this year after coming through the Incubator programme.
Co-op will now also operate an Accelerator scheme alongside its Incubator to “further promote range diversity and supplier inclusivity”. Ten “innovative and purpose-led” suppliers will form the inaugural wave of participants.
The retailer’s Accelerator programme is open to both new and existing suppliers to support their brand development, offering participants access to learning opportunities, including masterclasses and mentor networking; Category Buyer access and support, plus access to Co-op’s ‘Gift to Give’ programme where larger suppliers offer support to smaller-scale businesses.
Rebecca Oliver-Mooney, Co-op Head of Commercial for Drinks, Frozen, Community Buying & the Apiary, commented: “This is an exciting development; the addition of an accelerator scheme to our Apiary means we can work with small suppliers at different stages of their journeys. We are passionate about driving range diversity and supplier inclusivity, and we look for purpose-led suppliers, those from under-represented communities or demographics and, who share co-operative values.
“The incubator is for suppliers at the beginning of their retail journey, however, there are established suppliers in the retail world who tell us they would really benefit from support networks if they are to get to the next level. So this is about embracing the entrepreneurial spirt of these challenger brands, and working collaboratively in order to support and enable the acceleration of their growth, both on our shelves and across the market.”
Waitrose announced yesterday that it had launched a product innovation programme that aims to attract and support new brands that will be listed in its stores. And last week, Ocado revealed that it was offering 100 small suppliers “the best support in the industry” from a new challenger brand accelerator programme. Meanwhile, Tesco recently launched a second cohort of products for its 2024 accelerator programme.
NAM Implications:
- Co-op is really reaching out here…
- …in seeking more smaller suppliers at ‘different stages in their brand journey’.
- If you meet the spec, why not give it a try?
- At heart, Co-op is probably one of the UK’s most innovative retailers…
- …and their ideas are often taken up by the Mults.
- (Even going through the thought process can help…)
