Co-op has launched an accelerated support scheme for smaller suppliers with products from the first phase starting to roll out in stores.
The incubator scheme, known as ‘the Apiary’, works with local and smaller-scale suppliers to offer tailored support, mentoring and advice on all aspects of the product journey. This includes industry and consumer insight, workshops, technical tips, and access to the convenience retailer’s buying teams which enables brands to move towards a retail listing.
The programme will see six new suppliers gain a listing in around 200 Co-op stores this year. These are Dapur Mariae (sauces), Scrapples (snacks); Superfoodio (peanut buttons), Urban Rajah (Indian flat bread wraps), The Woolf’s Kitchen (pastes and chilli oil), and the Wonky Food Co (chutneys and relishes).
Rebecca Oliver-Mooney, Co-op Head of Category – including Community Buying and The Apiary, said: “This is an exciting milestone for our incubator scheme. We know from feedback that innovation, provenance, quality and diversity is important to our Members and customers and we are delighted to partner with this inaugural group of businesses.
“We are committed to building relationships and supporting our suppliers, and our ‘Apiary’ programme is designed to quickly anticipate and, respond to, changing consumer tastes and needs in our communities. We offer access to the insight, guidance, technical knowledge and support to enable smaller-scale producers to accelerate towards a listing in store. These are all exciting and innovative producers, each with a real point of difference. Values-driven, they all offer something unique which I am confident will interest and excite shoppers – I am delighted to see their products on Co-op’s shelves.”
NAM Implications:
- ‘Exciting and innovative producers, each with a real point of difference. Values-driven’
- If you can fit this spec, this opportunity has to be a no-brainer…
- Watch this space…
