Co-op has begun the search for innovative new suppliers to join its Incubator programme, ‘the Apiary’, which gives food and drink businesses the chance to secure a listing on the convenience retailer’s shelves.

Applications are now open for the programme, which is in its fourth wave and is designed to enable early stage businesses to become retail ready.

Successful suppliers receive tailored mentoring, insight, advice and support on all aspects of the product journey, and also participate in a supplier community network which looks to further facilitate learning and growth.

Since the first wave of products were launched through the Apiary in late 2022, there are now 27 suppliers on Co-op shelves that supply more than 70 product lines.

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Co-op head of commercial for drinks, frozen and community buying and the Apiary Rebecca Oliver-Mooney said:  “We believe making it easier for early stage businesses to become retail ready and thrive is the right thing to do, not only to delight our members and customers in store, but helping agile new producers with the potential to disrupt and challenge the market to grow and develop to their next level.

“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 – and we are looking for products with a real point of difference that can enthuse, excite and resonate with consumers.”

Last year, Co-op unveiled changes to its Apiary programme to enable it to work with more smaller-scale suppliers at different stages in their brand journey.

As a result, the retailer now also operates an Accelerator programme alongside its Incubator to further promote range diversity and supplier inclusivity.