Tesco has launched a second cohort of products for its 2024 Accelerator Programme, which aims to introduce small and trend-led brands into the supermarket, with 16 innovative new brands set to launch.
The programme, which provides a comprehensive year-long mentoring, learning, and development experience focused on growth, has been designed to deliver innovation for customers while supporting diversity within the grocer’s supply base.
Among the selection criteria is a commitment to support brands led by individuals from under-represented backgrounds, with ten of the brands in the new intake being diverse or women-owned brands.
This include diverse-owned brands Aagrah, Better Nature Tempeh, Jake & Nayn’s, Superfoodio and Wha Gwan, and women-owned brands Bold Bean Co, Fearne & Rosie, Piccolo, Seep and The Gut Stuff.
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The new cohort also heavily features brands that are committed to reducing their environmental impact across the supply chain and supporting a healthier way of living.
Other brands featured in the second round of Tesco’s 2024 Accelerator Programme include Arden Grange, Jiddler’s Tipple, JNCK Bakery, Neat, Nutriburst, and Pooch & Mutt.
Tesco head of innovation and express product strategy Rachel Hann said: “We’re really excited to announce a further 16 brands as part of our Accelerator Programme.
“We’re passionate about supporting diversity within our supply base which reflects the communities we serve across the UK, and these new brands add to the fresh and inspirational selection from our first cohort earlier this year. We can’t wait to see how customers respond to them.”
The grocer launched the first cycle of its Accelerator Programme in February, when it welcomed 27 up-and-coming brands including Nala’s Baby, Grind Coffee, Love Raw and The Gym Kitchen to its Welwyn Garden City campus to kick off the initiative which replaced its incubator scheme.
