Co-op is searching for more small, valued-led and innovative food businesses to join the second round of its accelerated support scheme, ‘the Apiary’.
As part of this, each business will have the opportunity to work towards adding products to the convenience retailer’s shelves.
The scheme works closely with local, community and smaller-scale suppliers to offer tailored support, mentoring and advice on all aspects of the product journey including industry and consumer insight, technical hints and tips and access to Co-op’s buying teams.
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Successful applicants will have the opportunity to pitch their products to buyers, with those selected joining other businesses including Dapur Mariae, Scrapples, Superfoodio, The Woolf’s Kitchen, Urban Rajah and the Wonky Food Co which have also seen their products rolled out across selected stores as a result of the scheme in 2022.
“This is an exciting time for our Apiary programme – the search is now on for the next group of businesses to join our accelerator scheme in 2023,” Co-op head of category, Rebecca Oliver-Mooney said.
“Innovation, provenance, quality, value and diversity is important to shoppers and, we really are looking forward to hearing from new, exciting and innovative producers. Previously, the Apiary programme has worked with businesses which have created: vegan; Indian; Malaysian and Asian-inspired recipes and, those with a focus on using ‘wonky’ fruit and veg to avoid food waste.”
She added: “Now we are keen to hear from more businesses with a real point of difference, who are values-driven and, offer something unique to interest and excite Co-op Members and customers.”
Applications for this year are now open until Monday 13 March.
