Co-op has revealed changes to its Apiary programme to enable it to work with even more smaller-scale suppliers, at different stages in their brand journey. The programme will see its third wave of suppliers hit shelves in the convenience retailers stores in towns, villages and cities across the UK later this year, after coming through its Incubator programme.
Now, for the first time, Co-op will also operate an Accelerator alongside its Incubator to further promote range diversity and supplier inclusivity, with 10 innovative and purpose-led suppliers forming the inaugural wave of participants.
The Accelerator programme is open to both new and existing suppliers to support their brand development, offering participants access to learning opportunities including masterclasses and mentor networking, category buyer support, plus access to Co-op’s Gift to Give programme, where larger suppliers provide a helping hand to support smaller-scale businesses.
The 10 values-led and innovative suppliers involved in the inaugural Accelerator programme are Bio & Me, Brewgooder, Dr Wills, Hip Pop, Nix & Kix, Play In Choc, Pleese Freezecakes, TrueStart Coffee, The Jolly Hogg and Zaytoun.
Rebecca Oliver-Mooney, Co-op head of commercial for drinks, frozen, community buying and the Apiary, said: “This is an exciting development, the addition of an Accelerator scheme to our Apiary means we can work with small suppliers at different stages of their journeys. We’re passionate about driving range diversity and supplier inclusivity, and we look for purpose-led suppliers, those from under-represented communities or demographics and, who share co-operative values.”
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