Co-op seeks small food businesses for accelerated support scheme
The Co-op Group have launched the second round of the Apiary programme, which last year saw six businesses get their products into the retailer’s stores.
The accelerator scheme is designed to search for, support and mentor innovative and exciting smaller-scale suppliers.
Applications are now open for the second round of the accelerator scheme. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to pitch their products to the Group’s buyers.
Rebecca Oliver-Mooney, the Group’s head of category – including community buying and the Apiary – said: “This is an exciting time for our Apiary programme. The search is now on for the next group of businesses to join our accelerator scheme in 2023.
“Innovation, provenance, quality, value and diversity is important to shoppers and, we really are looking forward to hearing from new, exciting and innovative producers. Previously, the Apiary programme has worked with businesses which have created vegan, Indian, Malaysian and Asian-inspired recipes, and those with a focus on using ‘wonky’ fruit and veg to avoid food waste.
“Now we are keen to hear from more businesses with a real point of difference, who are values-driven and, offer something unique to interest and excite Co-op members and customers.”
