Six exciting new suppliers are set to hit Co-op shelves this month following the convenience retailer’s search for a fresh wave of values-led, quality and innovative food and drink businesses to participate in its mentoring and support scheme, the Apiary.
The producers will all see their brands stocked in more than 100 Co-op food stores as they become the third wave of suppliers to benefit through Co-op’s Incubator programme.
Co-op’s Apiary programme looks for suppliers with a unique point of difference, who are values and purpose driven and promote further diversity and inclusion within the convenience retailer’s range.
The successful suppliers receive tailored mentoring, insight and advice on all aspects of the product journey, and participate in a supplier community network which facilities learning and growth together.
New suppliers set to hit Co-op shelves this month through Co-op’s Apiary (Incubator) programme, are:
- Cháps – described by its founders as “a pioneering soft drinks brand dedicated to introducing beverages inspired by traditional African drinks to a global audience”. Its mission is “to share the unique flavours, rich heritage, and good vibes of Africa and create memorable experiences through beverages”.
- Cheeky Nibble – founded by Marietta Hickman. Recently diagnosed with autism Marietta finds comfort in routines and these traits have been critical to growing the business, Cheeky Nibble is described as “premium, fun and delicious snacks and cereals with vegan, top 14 allergen free, granola and delicious flavours inspired by British desserts and drinks. Handmade in a dedicated peanut and nut free environment, perfect as a breakfast or snack”.
- ELEAT Cereal – whose founders explain that the product is “a balanced, high protein cereal to fuel your day. Each bowl of cereal is high in protein, high in fibre and low sugar as well as being vegan friendly and gluten-free”. Launched by friends, Hywel Rose and Hugh Hamilton-Green, who are on a mission “to help people eat well and move well.”
- Family Secret – Proppadoms – Founders, Sunny and Harmeet Mudhar visited numerous different countries and cultures, and a recurring phrase while asking about recipes was that ‘It’s a Family Secret’.On returning to the UK – and missing the authentic flavours from their travels – their business ‘Family Secret’ was born. They had contracts with airlines for their mini poppadoms and dips, but agility and diversification was needed during the pandemic, and working with a local crisp manufacturer, they developed a “healthy snacking alternative” – and, Proppadoms was born.
- Loro Crisps – Founders Natalia & Daniela explained: “Our 100% vegan and gluten-free plantain crisps are bursting with flavour and packed with natural fibre and potassium. Plantains are a staple in Latin American and African diets, having been enjoyed for centuries. Now, we’re bringing them to the British snacking culture with four flavours inspired by the rhythms of Colombia. From the zesty Quimbaya Limon to the fiery Latin Chilli, each crisp is low in sodium, cholesterol-free, and contain no trans fats – we take pride in our transparent supply chain, and ensure that the added value of our products also benefits the producers in Colombia.”
- Some Grub – Some Grub is launching in Co-op with a range of three dog treats – it is the first pet care brand to benefit from Co-op’s Apiary programme, with its products harnessing the wellbeing benefits of insects, with each boosting wellbeing in their own way: superfood; calming and, high-protein nut butter. Some Grub’s Ben Chapman and Oliver Harkus, explained: “Our insects have more protein than beef, more iron than spinach, and are packed with brain-boosting Omega 3s. Because they’re more digestible than meat and plant proteins and full of natural prebiotic, they’re great for gut health too. Most importantly, dogs find them just as delicious as their usual pet food.”
Rebecca Oliver-Mooney, Co-op head of commercial for drinks, frozen, community buying & the Apiary, said: “Seeing these innovative new products hit Co-op shelves is always an exciting time for our Apiary programme. 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. 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 more producers grow towards their goal of becoming challenger brands. Going live in store is a key milestone for these brands, it is the beginning of the next chapter for the suppliers our Incubator is proud to work with – we are confident that these products all offer a real point of difference to enthuse, excite and resonate with shoppers in our communities.”
In September, Co-op also revealed 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 of the changes Co-op is now also operating an Accelerator programme alongside its successful Incubator to further promote range diversity and supplier inclusivity.
One of the ways Co-op identifies potential new suppliers is through its work with RangeMe. Exciting, purpose-led producers interested in Co-op’s Incubator or Accelerator programmes can highlight their brand and showcase their products by creating a free profile via https://www.rangeme.com/theapiary2025
