Six exciting new suppliers are set to hit Co-op shelves this month following the convenience retailer’s search for a fresh wave of values-led food and drink businesses to participate in its mentoring and support scheme, the Apiary.
The producers will all see their brands stocked in more than 100 stores as they become the third wave of suppliers to benefit through Co-op’s Incubator programme, which looks for suppliers with a unique point of difference.
The successful suppliers receive tailored mentoring, insight and advice on all aspects of the product journey, and participate in a supplier community network which facilities learning and growth together.
The suppliers set to hit Co-op shelves this month are soft drinks brand Chaps (above), Cheeky Nibble granola, Eleat Cereal, Family Secret Proppadoms, Loro Crisps and Some Grub dog treats.
Rebecca Oliver-Mooney, Co-op head of commercial for drinks, frozen, community buying and the Apiary, said: “Seeing these innovative new products hit Co-op shelves is always an exciting time. We believe making it easier for early stage businesses to become retail ready and thrive is the right thing to do, not only to delight our members and customers, but helping more producers grow towards their goal of becoming challenger brands.”
In September, Co-op also revealed changes to Apiary to enable it to work with more smaller-scale suppliers at different stages in their brand journey. As a result, it is now also operating an Accelerator programme alongside its successful Incubator to further promote range diversity and supplier inclusivity.
No comments yet