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Locally-owned supermarket, Spinneys, has launched an incubator programme for micro food and beverage suppliers in the UAE. As part of its corporate sustainability initiative Let’s Do Better Together, the initiative aims to fast-track supermarket listings for innovative F&B businesses, to support local food production and stimulate economic growth in the sector.
Committed to making sustainable choices for the future, the incubator programme is the first of its kind for the region and is in line with the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy to grow local food production capability and shift away from dependence on imported food supplies. Launched amidst the economic challenges caused by COVID-19, the programme aims to boost and reward innovation amongst smaller food producers and manufacturers.
Through the incubator programme, micro F&B businesses will be given the chance to list their product at Spinneys for a year, with no start-up fees and generous payment terms. Selected brands will also receive monthly coaching sessions from Spinneys’ senior management team, as well as marketing support across its digital channels, PR and via in-store sampling. The main eligibility criteria is that the product needs to be produced or manufactured in the UAE and meet a clear consumer need.
As the UAE races ahead to triple production of essential foods in response to the coronavirus pandemic, Spinneys says all stakeholders in the F&B industry need to be re-thinking the future of food.
Suppliers interested in participating will have to submit a short presentation via the website, detailing the product or concept, the business plan and the people behind the business. The incubator panel, represented by senior Spinneys’ executives, will review and shortlist potential businesses and invite those accepted to pitch virtually and answer questions in a “Dragon’s Den” style format. Nominations must be submitted by 30th June 2020.
Successfully selected businesses will be listed in Spinneys stores for 12 months. After the period, those brands will be given the opportunity to continue retailing with Spinneys, subject to achieving certain financial metrics, and can choose to retail through other distributors.
More information on the programme can be found here