Six new suppliers are set to hit Co-op shelves this month following its search for a fresh wave of food and drink businesses to participate in its mentoring and support scheme, the Apiary.

The producers will see their brands stocked in more than 100 of the convenience retailer’s stores, as part of the third wave of suppliers to benefit from the incubator programme.

The Apiary scheme looks for suppliers with a unique point of difference, which are values and purpose driven and promote further diversity and inclusion within Co-op’s range.

The successful suppliers receive tailored mentoring, insight and advice on all aspects of the product journey, and participate in a supplier community network which facilitates learning and growth together.

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New suppliers set to hit Co-op shelves this month through the programme include Cháps – a brand dedicated to introducing beverages inspired by traditional African drinks to a global audience, Cheeky Nibble – a premium snacks and cereals brand, Eleat Cereal – a high in protein, high in fibre and low in sugar cereal brand, Loro Crisps – a 100% vegan and gluten-free plantain crips brand, Family Secret Proppadoms – a healthy snacking alternative to poppadoms, and Some Grub – a dog treat brand, the first pet care brand to benefit from the Apiary. 

Co-op head of commercial for drinks, frozen, community buying and the Apiary Rebecca Oliver said: “Seeing these innovative new products hit Co-op shelves is always an exciting time for our Apiary programme. We know shoppers in a convenience setting look for great quality and innovation – products that make life easier, can be consumed on-the-go, or offer an element of indulgence.

“Going live in store is a key milestone for these brands, it is the beginning of the next chapter for the suppliers our Incubator is proud to work with – we are confident that these products all offer a real point of difference to enthuse, excite and resonate with shoppers in our communities.”

It comes as in September, Co-op launched a brand accelerator scheme alongside its Apiary incubator programme to boost brand development and growth for smaller suppliers.

The accelerator scheme opened to both new and existing suppliers to support their brand development, offering participants access to learning opportunities including masterclasses and mentor networking, category buyer support, and the retailer’s Gift to Give programme, where larger suppliers provide support to smaller-scale businesses.