Co-op’s regular search for new suppliers has begun, with winners potentially securing listing in the group’s stores.
Its Incubator programme, known as The Apiary, offers the opportunity for smaller-scale businesses to work with the convenience retailer towards a listing on its shelves.
Applications are now open for the fifth wave of small businesses to join the programme, designed to enable smaller or early stage businesses to become retail ready or, move to the next step of their development.
Since the first wave of products were launched in store through the Apiary programme in 2022, some 34 suppliers have successfully seen their products on Co-op shelves, with 86 new product lines brought to market.
The most recent business to gain a listing is HMPasties, which landed its first ever supermarket contract as it launched into almost 80 Co-op stores across Greater Manchester.
The bakery was created to break the cycle of reoffending by providing jobs and training to people leaving prison. Since its beginnings, HMPasties has grown a loyal following for its handmade pies and pasties, delivering great food and lasting social impact.
Other suppliers have also included the Only With Love brewery and Wild Thingz sweets.
Katie Schofield, Co-op’s buying manager for the Apiary, said: “We’re working to help agile new producers with the potential to disrupt and challenge the market to grow and develop to their next level.
“It’s incredibly exciting to begin the search for the next wave of suppliers to join our Incubator programme. We’re focussed on making it easier for early stage businesses to become retail ready and thrive.
“Shoppers in convenience stores are open to discovering new products - looking for quality, value and innovation with products that can be consumed on the go or offer an element of healthy indulgence. We’re looking for exciting and emerging new products from purpose-led suppliers with a real point of difference that can enthuse, excite and resonate with our customers.”
Successful applicants receive hands-on support designed to help elevate and strengthen their brand and business. This includes personalised mentoring, targeted masterclasses delivered by subject experts and a supplier peer network - all designed to create “a supportive environment that helps emerging brands build capability, confidence and accelerate growth.”
For 2026, Co-op said it’s looking for products that include fruit-based and healthier snacks, high-protein snacks and HFSS-compliant chocolate alternatives, healthy sweet treats, functional drinks and confectionery, instant and ambient meal pots and pouches and flavour-led impulse snacks with emerging global-inspired flavours.
Applications close on 22 February, 2026 with new applicants invited to create a free RangeMe account. For more information and details of how to apply click here.
You can now secure your tickets to the Convenience Awards 2026!
Join us on 11 March in Liverpool to celebrate the entire convenience community.
See this year’s finalists and book your seat here.
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