The Co-op is on the hunt for the fifth wave of small food businesses to join its incubator programme, The Apiary.
Applications for the scheme, which gives suppliers the chance to secure a listing on Co-op shelves, can be submitted until 22 February.
Co-op is looking for products including healthier savoury snacks, energy and high-protein snacks, HFSS-compliant chocolate alternatives, fruit-based snacks, and functional drinks.
Successful applicants will receive hands-on support designed to help elevate and strengthen their brand and business. This includes personalised mentoring, targeted masterclasses delivered by subject experts, and a supplier peer network, which are designed to create a “supportive environment that helps emerging brands build capability, confidence and, accelerate growth”, Co-op said.
Since the first wave of products were launched in Co-op stores through The Apiary’s programme in 2022, some 34 suppliers have successfully seen their products on shelves, with 86 new product lines brought to market.
The most recent business to gain a listing through the programme is HM Pasties, which landed its first-ever supermarket contract as it launched into almost 80 Co-op stores across Greater Manchester.
Other new suppliers to work with the programme during 2025 include Only With Love, Still Sisters, Chu Lo Drinks and Up Up Chocolate.
“We’re working to help agile new producers with the potential to disrupt and challenge the market grow and develop to their next level, and so it’s incredibly exciting to begin the search for the next wave of suppliers to join our incubator programme,” said Co-op buying manager for The Apiary Katie Schofield.
“We are focused on making it easier for early-stage businesses to become retail-ready and thrive. Shoppers in convenience stores are open to discovering new products – looking for quality, value and innovation with products that can be consumed on the go or offer an element of healthy indulgence.
“We are looking for exciting and emerging new products from purpose-led suppliers with a real point of difference that can enthuse, excite and resonate with our customers.”
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