With over 2,500 food stores, Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives and the UK’s fifth-biggest food retailer. Operating the most diverse store portfolio of any retailer, Co-op is looking to partner with bakery brands that align with its vision of “Co-operating for a Fairer World” — businesses that place values, ethics, quality, and innovation at the heart of what they do. As part of its growing “Pure Convenience” strategy, Co-op is particularly interested in trend-led bakery and food-to-go products that bring excitement, indulgence, and strong shopper appeal to convenience retail. Current focus areas include premium savoury pastries, globally inspired bakery flavours, indulgent sweet treats and hybrid pastries, seasonal and fruit-led desserts, elevated wraps and handheld bakery formats, and premium sharing or grazing products. The team is especially keen to discover innovative bakery brands with strong branding, clear differentiation, excellent shelf appeal, and products suited to convenience-led shopping missions. Suppliers should be operationally ready to scale and hold, at minimum, SALSA food accreditation.

The Pitching Zone at the Bread & Jam Festival is powered by Nielsen IQ (NIQ).