Abu Bakr Supermarket is teaming up with the Batley Multi Academy Trust (Batley Trust) to launch a brand-new food innovation competition for learners across the Trust’s family of schools.
The initiative invites young people to design their own kids’ meals, snacks, and milkshake concepts, with the winning entries being professionally developed, produced, and sold at Abu Bakr Supermarket.
The programme aims to encourage creativity, inspire diverse thinking around food, and offer learners a hands-on introduction to culinary design and product development.
Learners will be challenged to pitch imaginative meal or milkshake ideas—anything from nutritious lunchbox favourites to fun new flavour combinations. A panel from the supermarket and the Trust will review the submissions and select standout concepts.
The winning learners will then be invited to Abu Bakr Supermarket’s in-house kitchen facilities for live cooking and product-development sessions, where they will work alongside chefs and food specialists to refine and prepare their creations for customers.
Batley Multi Academy Trust CEO Sam Vickers expressed her enthusiasm for the project. She said: “We are always looking for opportunities that encourage our learners to think creatively, work collaboratively, and engage with the world beyond the classroom. This partnership with Abu Bakr Supermarket does exactly that. It gives our young people the chance to see their ideas come alive in a real business setting, and that is both empowering and inspiring.”
Abu Bakr Supermarket managing director Hamza Hussain shared the supermarket’s excitement for the initiative: “As a proud business with Yorkshire roots, we are passionate about giving back to the communities we serve in West Yorkshire and beyond. We are passionate about supporting the next generation. This competition allows us to tap into the incredible creativity of Batley’s young people and give them a true behind-the-scenes experience of food development. We can’t wait to bring their ideas to life on our shelves.”
The competition highlights a shared commitment between Abu Bakr Supermarket and the Batley Multi Academy Trust to broaden young people’s horizons, promote entrepreneurship, be innovative and strengthen local connections.
Seeing their creations sold in a busy supermarket will offer learners a unique sense of achievement and a glimpse into the world of culinary innovation and retail.
The competition will launch soon across all Batley Multi Academy Trust schools, with details to be shared directly with learners and families.
