Local suppliers are set to “bag” a listing at the Co-op as the search for the Small Producer of the Year has began.
The retailer has teamed-up with the UK Small Producer Quality Food Awards to launch the second annual search to showcase the quality and innovation of the nation’s smaller, local producers.
The Co-op wants to celebrate local suppliers, so it will work with finalists to help them to get their product in store as part of package of benefits designed to provide a big boost to smaller businesses.
Sue Wade, Co-op’s Category Trading Manager for Local, Regional and Ethnic foods said: “It’s exciting to collaborate with smaller producers, it’s their innovation, quality, passion and traditions which ensures that their products are much loved locally.
“Following the success of the inaugural Small Producer of the Year award, we are calling on the nation’s local producers to shout about their products. And, as a community retailer, we will work with all of the finalists to help them to get their products on to our shelves.
“We are thrilled to be working with the Quality Food Awards to unearth the finest small producers that our country has to offer. And to champion, showcase and celebrate more of our great British food and drink - the search is now on for the UK’s Small Producer of the Year 2017.”
Open for small producers
The awards are an opportunity for small producers – defined as any business fewer than ten staff and with annual sales no greater than £2 million – to develop their offering and potentially get a listing with the Co-op.
Entrants can submit products under any category in the awards, but have a lower entry fee of £119 plus VAT as well as additional finalist benefits. The awards are rigorously judged by a team of industry professionals and every entry receives insightful feedback on its taste, packaging and price point.
This year finalists for the Small Producer Award will also be given a detailed consumer marketing report on their product from VYPR - a unique digital platform that gives FMCG companies accurate consumer insights.
There will be sampling opportunities in Co-op food stores, and the opportunity to use the winner’s logo on pack and in all marketing collateral. The overall Gold winner will have a day at Cactus Kitchens (the creative kitchen space located above the set of Saturday Kitchen Live and home to The Michel Roux Jr Cookery School) for innovation testing and product development with their professional team.
