Bidfood announces first SMEs to benefit from Open Doors Programme

After the successful launch of its SME scheme last October, Bidfood has announced the initial group of suppliers selected through the Open Doors Programme.

Aimed at small food and beverage suppliers, the Open Doors Programme identifies the most innovative businesses trying to establish themselves within the industry and raises awareness of their products so they can make their mark in wholesale.

Despite the recent deceleration in inflation, the share of small businesses aspiring to grow this year has significantly decreased during the last six months. Small businesses within the food sector have shown the biggest drop in confidence that their business will grow, at more than 70% (Federation of Small Businesses).

As a result, Bidfood’s Open Doors Programme has continued on its mission to unlock the potential of emerging suppliers, supporting their development journey, while also providing its customers with access to some of the most interesting brands out there.

Following a three-step development journey to nurture, champion and accelerate, the initiative has resulted in seven brands being officially listed with Bidfood, along with a selection of their products:

• Bio&Me – B-certified brand Bio&Me has a range of handy on-the-go porridges created to support gut health. Bio&Me is also part of the ‘Buy Women Built’ community, which shines a light on brands built by women.

• Boundless ­– Using activated ingredients, Boundless snacks support gut health and are free from the top 14 allergens. They’re also members of the ‘Buy Women Built’ community.

• Another B-certified brand, Flawsome! produces a variety of juices, sparkling fruit waters and health shots made from wonky and surplus fruits.

• A true kitchen table start-up, Ninju is a range of fruit and vegetable-based children’s drinks packaged in 100% recyclable cartons.

• Offering a vegan alternative to eggs, OGGS is the third B-certified brand out of the newly listed suppliers and will soon be a part of the ‘Buy Women Built’ community.

• TeaJoy – Designed to serve the growing demand for bubble tea in the UK, TeaJoy’s products are a quick and easy solution to making bubble tea using Jasmine leaves from Taiwan.

• TRIBE – High protein vegan flapjacks with a strong stance against modern slavery.

Commenting on the newly listed suppliers, Bidfood UK’s sales & marketing director Tim Adams said: “We have made fantastic progress in the past six months, from having our first SME supplier conference in October to hosting dozens of guidance sessions to prospective suppliers. Now, we have seven amazing and inspiring brands listed with us that can work across a variety of sectors.

“It coincides perfectly with Bidfood’s vision to be a positive force for change and we will continue to be the voice for under-represented founder groups with incredible brand stories, as well as suppliers who offer excellence in carbon reduction and social value. We can’t wait for the next six months and what this will bring for more small businesses.”