Skip to content
Search
AI Powered
Latest Stories

Co-op launches new incubator programme for food producers

Co-op has launched a new incubator programme, called ‘The apiary’, to support and mentor innovative smaller-scale suppliers.

The first phase of the scheme has seen nine small businesses participate, each at a different stage in their development. They will be offered tailored and dedicated support including mentoring, advice on all aspects of the product journey, industry and consumer insight, workshops, technical hints and tips and, access to the convenience retailer’s experienced and dedicated buying teams.


Co-op said the incubator, alongside its successful local sourcing programme, will help build deep and effective relationships with potential new suppliers while driving innovation, range diversity and agility with values-led smaller-scale suppliers.

“Co-op is committed to creating value in our communities, and we know from feedback that innovation, provenance and, supporting local businesses is important to our members and customers,” Co-op chief commercial officer, Matt Hood, said.

“We are delighted to partner with this inaugural group of businesses who are participating in our incubator scheme – they are all exciting and innovative producers, each with a real point of difference and something unique to excite shoppers. Working together we can provide the insight, guidance, technical knowledge and support to help smaller-scale producers to develop and grow.”

The first businesses to partner with Co-op consist of: food author, traveller and lifestyle adventurer The Urban Rajah; Caliendo’s Gelato, a family run business dating back to the 1800s; Mon Dessert, a supplier of homemade dessert and recipe kits; Superfoodio, producers of innovative plant-based, low-sugar peanut butter chocolate; Dapur Mariae, an authentic Malaysian sauce company that brings a new variety of tastes and flavours to traditional recipes; The Wonky Food Company who take great-tasting imperfect and surplus fruit and vegetables to create its chutneys and relishes; The Woolf’s Kitchen, creators of sauces, condiments and snacking products inspired by the owner’s Thai heritage; Nemi Teas, a tea company providing employment, work experience and skills to refugees; and Spare Snacks who transform wonky apples into delicious and nutritious crisps and snacks for all ages.

More for you

One Stop to add 280 new stores to Snappy Shopper
Image from Snappy Shopper
Image from Snappy Shopper

One Stop to add 280 new stores to Snappy Shopper

Snappy Shopper is excited to announce a major expansion of its partnership with One Stop, with an additional 280 stores joining the platform.

Following the success of an initial 250-store launch in October, the expansion will bring One Stop’s total to 530 stores on the Snappy Shopper platform, enabling more communities across the UK to access convenient grocery delivery. In addition, One Stop is launching Snappy Rewards, an exclusive loyalty programme available at participating stores.

Keep ReadingShow less
Jisp enhances loyalty program, cuts costs with Scanbot SDK

Jisp enhances loyalty program, cuts costs with Scanbot SDK

Technology company Jisp has invested in new barcode scanning software to optimise its loyalty program and boost its international expansion.

The goal of this investment? Making shopping easier for consumers and retailers alike, while also saving money.

Keep ReadingShow less
high street store

Businesses to get ‘right to rent’ long-term vacant shops as High Street Rental Auctions takes effect

Photo: iStock

Councils get new powers to auction off leases for long-term empty shops on high streets

Local councils across the UK have been handed new powers to tackle the scourge of empty shops as High Street Rental Auctions (HSRAs) took effect on Monday (2 December).

Local authorities will be able to auction off leases for commercial properties that have been empty for long periods, with the HSRAs creating a ‘right to rent’ for businesses and community groups, giving them access to city, town and village centre sites.

Keep ReadingShow less
Mollie King

Mollie King performs at independent homeware and giftware boutique Lark

Small Business Saturday: Mollie King surprises shoppers with DJ set at indie boutique

Broadcaster and DJ Mollie King surprised shoppers and staff at independent homeware and giftware boutique, Lark in Southfields with an impromptu DJ set to launch American Express presents Small Business Saturday Sessions.

The star, whose partner is a small business owner, is the headline act for Small Business Saturday Sessions, which will see performances in London, Manchester and Birmingham on Small Business Saturday (7 December), an initiative of which American Express is founder and principal supporter.

Keep ReadingShow less
Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh, Scotland

Photo: iStock

Scottish budget must prioritise pro-business measures, say industry leaders

With the Scottish budget looming, leaders across retail, hospitality and tourism are calling for targeted measures to alleviate financial pressures and support the sectors' recovery amid rising costs and regulatory demands.

Stuart McCallum, head of consumer markets in Scotland at RSM UK, highlighted the strain on businesses due to increasing costs from regulations, employers’ National Insurance hikes, and the persistent burden of business rates. He warned that without intervention, these challenges could force businesses to pass costs onto consumers or face unsustainable employment costs.

Keep ReadingShow less