Co-op is looking for innovative new suppliers to join its incubator programme, known as The Apiary, which offers the opportunity to work with the convenience retailer towards a listing on its shelves.
Applications are now open for the programme, which is designed to enable early-stage businesses to become retail-ready. Successful suppliers receive tailored mentoring, insight, advice and support on all aspects of the product journey, and also participate in a supplier community network which further facilitates learning and growth.
Since the first wave of products was launched through the Apiary programme in late 2022, there are now 27 suppliers on Co-op shelves who have benefitted from its Incubator or Accelerator schemes, supplying more than 70 product lines.
Rebecca Oliver-Mooney, Co-op Head of Commercial for Drinks, Frozen, Community Buying & the Apiary, said: “It is exciting to begin the search for the fourth wave of suppliers to join our Incubator programme. 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.”
