Retailer selects 24 winners for micro food and beverage suppliers in the UAE
Spinneys recently announced the winners of its incubator programme for micro food and beverage suppliers in the UAE, launched in May 2020.
Participation in the programme surpassed Spinneys’ expectations with more than 160 local businesses entering submissions of an exceptionally high standard. In response, the grocer has increased the number of winners, with 22 brands to be fast-tracked onto Spinneys’ shelves, and another two companies accepted into its product development programme.
“This aligns with the objectives of the National Food Security Strategy which recognises the importance of local tech-enabled production to strengthen the UAE’s food security,” averred HE Mariam Almheiri, Minister of State for Food and Water Security.
“I commend the contributions of the Spinneys incubator programme to promoting a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation in the country,” remarked HE Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and SMEs.
“The programme has really brought to light that as a nation, we have the capability to enhance our local food production – at Spinneys, we are really proud to be in a position to help develop and support such talented local businesses,” noted Tom Harvey, Commercial Manager, Spinneys.
The Spinneys incubator programme aims to boost and reward innovation among smaller food producers and manufacturers in the emirates by lowering barriers to supermarket entry and helping to accelerate an often challenging path to shelf listing.
Of the 24 winners, eleven are from the fresh food category, nine offer shelf stable products and four are frozen goods.
