Co-op has revealed that eight new suppliers are joining its Incubator programme, known as The Apiary.
The programme looks for suppliers with a unique point of difference, who are “purpose driven and create social value”, whilst promoting diversity and inclusion within the convenience retailer’s range.
Following a search for a new wave of businesses to work with the retailer towards a listing, the latest eight will see their products appear in more than 100 Co-op stores from October.
The programme is designed to enable smaller or early-stage businesses to become retail-ready or move to the next step in their development. Successful suppliers receive tailored mentoring, insight, advice, and support on all aspects of the product journey.
The latest wave of suppliers includes Love Sum Dumplings, Only With Love, Still Sisters, Chu Lo Drinks, Wild Thingz Organic Sweets, All dressed Up, Up Up Chocolate, and Spruce. This brings the total number of brands listed by Co-op through its Incubator or Accelerator schemes to over 30, supplying more than 100 products between them.
Kelly Orme, Co-op’s Community and Apiary Buying Lead, said: “It is exciting to reveal a fresh wave of suppliers to join our Incubator programme. We are looking forward to working with all of the new brands towards a listing in store. We believe that making it easier for smaller or early-stage businesses to become retail ready or, to grow and thrive, is not only the right thing to do, but enables agile and exciting new producers with the potential to disrupt and challenge the market to develop to their next level.
“We know shoppers in a convenience setting look for great quality and innovation – products that make life easier, create social value, can be consumed on-the-go, or offer an element of indulgence – and we are looking forward to launching these great new products, which you will start to see hit our shelves from this autumn. Products which we are confident will enthuse, excite and connect with consumers, conveniently.”
NAM Implications:
- A practical leg up for smaller or early-stage businesses.
- Helping them to become retail-ready.
- A no-brainer for those lucky enough to be chosen.
- Time to push forward…
