UK retail giant Tesco has announced the names of six small food and drinks suppliers that will participate in its 2019 incubator programme.
The programme aims to help these small entrepreneurial brands to develop products that are unique and attract the attention of consumers.
Vision
The selection is based on Tesco's vision to offer products which reflect the latest health and wellness trends.
The programme, launched in 2017, has helped around 28 suppliers to establish their brand.
Some of the brands from the initiative that have become household names include Brewdog, Propercorn, Fevertree, Bol, and Graze.
'Latest Consumer Trends'
Tesco group chief commercial officer, Andrew Yaxley, said, "There are so many brilliant brands out there and we’re proud to partner with some of those we believe are at the forefront of the latest consumer trends.
"By working in partnership, we can provide customers with fantastic, innovative products, and continue to help suppliers of all shapes and sizes develop and grow with us."
Year-Long Schedule
The programme involves a year-long schedule where participating companies receive advice and guidance on marketing products effectively and tips and mentorship from Tesco’s experienced product team.
It also involves training to respond to Tesco customer insights with the help of data science company, dunnhumby.
The Participants
The six participants in the food and drinks category include the probiotic Kefir food company, Biotiful; seaweed products manufacturer, Mara Seaweed; vegan and free-from food brand, Just Love Food Company; natural and sparkling water business, Ugly Drinks; meal-kit maker, SimplyCook; and brewer, Thornbridge.
In the non-food category, the companies selected include pet food maker Naturo; Australian cosmetics brand, MUD; and nappy brand Rascal and Friends.
© 2019 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Dayeeta Das. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
