Manchester Northern Quarter-based dessert cafe, Black Milk, secures nationwide listing with Co-op through supplier support scheme, the Apiary
09 October 2023
Northern Quarter-based cafe, Black Milk, has secured a listing for its products in Co-op stores across the UK after working with the convenience retailer’s accelerated support scheme for suppliers, known as the Apiary.
Located at 88 Oldham Street, Manchester, Black Milk will see products including its award winning Hazelnut Cream; Pistachio Cream and, White Chocolate sweet spreads stocked in approaching 300 Co-op stores UK-wide, including stores in the North West located in Manchester; Oldham, Ashton, Stockport, Bolton and Rochdale.
Co-op’s Apiary programme searches for new purpose-led small businesses with a unique point of difference. Successful applicants receive tailored support, mentoring and advice on all aspects of the product journey towards gaining a listing in store.
Founder of Black Milk, Oliver Taylor, said: “We are really pleased to work closely with Co-op, especially as a fellow ethical Manchester-based business. This listing sees our spreads stocked in more communities than we have been in before, including here in Manchester and across the North West, and it has the potential to significantly raise awareness of our products.
“Since March 2015, our secret sauces and spreads have been developed in our cafe at the heart of the Northern Quarter, Manchester. These spreads have always been the most popular part of our menu. One day, whilst serving our luxury hazelnut milkshakes a customer asked for an extra shake jar filled with only our hazelnut cream – and we knew then that we had the perfect product to sell. Made with the finest nuts, these spreads are memorable indulgences – we suggest serving them on top of bread, crumpets or croissants, baked into treats or even just off the spoon.”
Kelly Orme, Co-op Community Buying Manager for Local, World Foods & the Apiary, said: “We are delighted to work with Black Milk, the dessert cafe has developed an impressive reputation and following from its Northern Quarter base, and through our Apiary programme we have been able to spend time with owners Andy and Oliver and work closely with them to bring their sweet nut spreads into our stores. We are delighted to reach this key milestone where the product is now on our shelves - we believe that the spreads offer a real point of difference to interest, enthuse and excite Co-op Members and customers in our communities.”
For more information about Black Milk and, to find your local store selling its sweet spreads, visit: blackmilkcereal.com
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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 2,400 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 almost 60,000 people, the Co-op has an annual turnover of over £11billion and is a recognised leader for its social goals and community-led programmes. The Co-op exists to meet members’ needs and stand up for the things they believe in.
Further information:
Andrew Torr
Senior Press Officer, Co-op Press Office
M: 07702505551
E: andrew.torr@coop.co.uk