Co-op reveals a new wave of businesses to join its accelerated support scheme for suppliers, the Apiary
26 May 2023
Co-op reveals the new suppliers who are set to become the second wave of small, values-led and innovative food and drink businesses to join its accelerated support scheme, known as the Apiary.
The eight new successful suppliers will now have the opportunity to work with Co-op after pitching their products to the convenience retailer’s buying team. They will work together towards seeing their products on the convenience retailer’s shelves, with the ambition for the new suppliers to be stocked in selected stores before the end of the year.
Co-op began its latest search for businesses to join its Apiary programme at the start of the year, looking for suppliers with a real point of difference and alignment to Co-op's vision of co-operating for a fairer world, while promoting further diversity and inclusion within its range. The suppliers will receive tailored support, mentoring and advice on all aspects of the product journey, including: industry and consumer insight; technical hints and tips and access to the convenience retailer’s dedicated buying teams.
Rebecca Oliver-Mooney, Co-op Head of Commercial for Drinks, Frozen, Community Buying & the Apiary, said: “The search for new suppliers is an exciting time for our Apiary programme, and we are delighted to announce the new group of suppliers who we will work closely with during 2023 - we believe they all offer a real point of difference to interest, enthuse and excite Co-op Members and customers in our communities.”
Taking part in the Apiary programme during 2023 are:
Blue Turaco whose speciality Ugandan Robusta coffee is fairly sourced to support and empower farming communities, with each purchase also providing two vital lunches to fight hunger in Ugandan village schools
Local cloudy vegan beer which is brewed lower in calories, carbs and sugars
Oatsu whose overnight oats are a no-cook, chilled version of porridge. The oats soak in plant milk, and soften to a thick, creamy consistency, making a perfect slow-release breakfast or snack
Humanitea a social enterprise creating chilled ready-to-drink tea lattes, brewed using oat milk it is 100% vegan with a percentage of the company’s profits supports wellbeing and sustainability initiatives
House of Cinn whose handmade cinnamon buns also help to tackle homelessness and loneliness with 65% of the community interest company’s profits reinvested in community projects
Revibed Drinks superfood infused water which is 100% vegan, with zero sugar and less than 10 Kcal per can it provides a refreshing alternative on-the-go
Black Milk Desserts with a bakery and café in Manchester’s popular Northern Quarter offering fresh bakes, brownies, pancakes and creams, its founders also support projects that tackle homelessness in the city
Wilderbee Hot Honey inspired by a sweet and spicy condiment in a New York Pizza restaurant, a version of the condiment was created upon returning to the UK using organic wildflower honey infused with fresh chillies
The inaugural group of businesses to join the Apiary scheme in 2022 were Dapur Mariae; Scrapples; Superfoodio; The Woolf’s Kitchen; the Wonky Food Co; Nemi Teas ; Mon Dessert and, Urban Rajah, whose products hit Co-op shelves last autumn and winter.
About Co-op:
Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives with interests across food, funerals, insurance and legal services. Owned by millions of UK consumers, the Co-op operates over 2,500 food stores, over 800 funeral homes and provides products to over 5,000 other stores, including those run by independent co-operative societies and through its wholesale business, Nisa Retail Limited. Employing 57,000 people, the Co-op has an annual turnover of over £11 billion and is a recognised leader for its social goals and community-led programmes.
Further information:
Andrew Torr
Senior Press Officer, Co-op Press Office
E: andrew.torr@coop.co.uk
M: 07702505551
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