Co-op unveils eight new start-ups for Apiary incubator programme
Co-op has unveiled eight emerging businesses joining its fourth Apiary incubator programme, with their products set to land on shelves in over 100 stores from October.
The convenience giant’s initiative, which supports early-stage, purpose-led suppliers in becoming retail-ready, offers mentoring, supply chain support, and access to Co-op’s national retail network.
The latest cohort includes Love Sum Dumplings, founded by former MasterChef semi-finalist Sandy Tang, and Chu Lo Drinks, a Japanese-inspired soft drink brand making its retail debut.
Other additions include Still Sisters’ botanical gins, Spruce’s plastic-free cleaning range, and Wild Thingz organic sweets.
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“It is exciting to reveal a fresh wave of suppliers to join our Incubator programme,” said Co-op community and Apiary buying lead Kelly Orme.
“We are looking forward to working with all of the new brands towards a listing in store. We believe that 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 – products that make life easier, create social value, can be consumed on-the-go, or offer an element of indulgence – and we are looking forward to launching these great new products which you will start to see hit our shelves from this autumn. Products which we are confident will enthuse, excite and connect with consumers, conveniently.”
The launch will bring Co-op’s total incubated suppliers to over 30, with more than 100 products developed through its Apiary and Accelerator schemes to date.
The new batch of start-ups follows a slew of new brand accelerator scheme being launched in the supermarket industry last year, including Iceland, Tesco, Waitrose and Ocado.
