Following a search for more businesses to work with the retailer towards getting a listing on its shelves, Co-op has revealed the next eight businesses whose products will be seen in more than 100 stores later this year.
Co-op’s Apiary programme looks for suppliers with a unique point of difference, who are purpose driven and create social value
In addition to resonating with Co-op members and customers, the suppliers promote further diversity and inclusion within the convenience retailer’s range.
The programme is designed to enable smaller or early stage businesses to become retail ready or to move to their next step, with successful suppliers receiving tailored mentoring, insight, advice and support on all aspects of the product journey, as well as participating in a supplier community network which further aids learning and growth.
The latest wave is expected to hit shelves from October onwards and will take the total number of brands listed by Co-op through its Incubator or Accelerator schemes to over 30, withover 100 products between them.
Kelly Orme, community and Apiary buying lead, said: “It’s exciting to reveal a fresh wave of suppliers to join our Incubator programme.
“We believe 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 and we’re looking forward to launching these new products which you will start to see hit our shelves from this autumn.”
The eight new suppliers making up the fourth wave of businesses to be involved in Co-op’s Apiary programme, are Love Sum Dumplings, founded by 2020 Masterchef semi-finalist Sandy Tang, Sussex’s Only With Love brewery which formed during the pandemic (right), small batch spirits producers, Still Sisters, Chu Lo Drinks from Manchester, Wild Thingz organic sweets, All Dressed Up dressings (above) and ethical brand, Up Up Chocolate.
In addition, in a first for the Apiary Programme, Co-op is partnering with Spruce, a female-founded, B Corp-certified brand offering plastic-free, refillable cleaning and laundry products made with non-toxic ingredients.
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