Co-op reveals latest businesses to join its incubator programme
Co-op has announced details of the eight new businesses that have joined its Apiary incubator programme.
The news follows a search by the convenience retailer for a fresh wave of businesses to work towards a listing on its shelves.
Products from the new suppliers are expected to be available in more than 100 stores from October onwards. This will take the total number of suppliers listed by Co-op through its incubator or accelerator schemes to more than 30, with the companies supplying over 100 products between them.
Co-op’s Apiary programme looks for suppliers with a unique point of difference, who are purpose driven and create social value. The programme is designed to enable smaller or early-stage businesses to become retail ready or, move to the next step of their development. Successful suppliers then received tailored mentoring, insight, advice and support on all aspects of the product journey, and also participate in a supplier community network.
Subscribe to TRBKelly Orme, community and Apiary buying lead, said: “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.”
The eight new suppliers include Love Sum Dumplings, Only With Love, Chu Lo Drinks, Wild Thingz Organic Sweets, Still Sisters, All Dressed Up, Up Up Chocolate and Spruce.
