Becoming a supplier to a large retailer is a great idea for entrepreneurs. It allows you to increase your revenue and reach a much larger audience. Most food retailers have supplier programmes that you can apply for. One of those programmes is the Food Lover’s Market Seeds of Change Supplier Development Partnership.
The Seeds of Change Supplier Development Partnership was launched in 2021 and aims to source local suppliers (specifically small businesses) that have integrated social change within their operations.
Food Lover’s Market opens applications for its supplier programme every year at the end of the first quarter. If you have a product (mostly food), you can apply for this programme and eventually become a supplier to Food Lover’s Market.
In this article, we will take you through what you need to join the Seeds of Change Supplier Development Partnership.
What Is the Seeds of Change Programme?
The Seeds of Change Supplier Development Partnership is a programme which seeks to find and develop suppliers that reflect socially and environmentally focused values. The suppliers must also be motivated to deliver the services or products which are of high quality.
The programme is facilitated by the Social Enterprise Academy which specialises in learning and development. According to the Food Lover’s Market website, since its launch in 2021, the programme has received over 1200 applications.
What Do You Need To Qualify for Seeds of Change?
To qualify for the Food Lover’s Seeds of Change programme, you will need to meet the criteria set out by the food retailer. The requirements include:
- Your business must be operating for one year (12 months).
- Your business must be financially stable.
- You must have a business plan which showcases successful implementation.
Food Lover’s Market also requires that businesses who want to apply should showcase that they positively impact their communities. Additionally, these businesses need to add value to the Food Lover’s Market shopping experience.
Businesses that are encouraged to apply include:
- Smallholder farmers.
- Freight businesses.
- Commercial services.
- Produce product producers.
- Bakery businesses.
- Liquor businesses.
If your business meets these requirements, you can begin preparing to apply to become a supplier to Food Lover’s Market.
How Does the Seeds of Change Programme Work?
As mentioned above, the programme’s application dates are opened every year. Before applicants are selected, everyone is invited to a webinar which serves as an info session for the programme.
Once all applications are in, the Food Lover’s Market team will shortlist applicants based on the criteria. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a 2-day webinar which will give insights into what makes a successful business. The webinar comprises of:
- Hearing from Food Lover’s Market buyers, industry experts and some of the programme’s alumni.
- The webinar covers topics such as finance, marketing, business planning, and business models.
- Group activities with participants.
- How Food Lover’s Market can elevate your business.
- Share valuable insights for those who have been shortlisted as well as other applicants.
After the webinar, the shortlisted candidates are given assignments that you will need to complete. If your assignments are done well, you will be selected as part of the top 10 applicants.
As soon as the top 10 has been announced, these top 10 candidates will be invited to a 5-day boot camp in Cape Town. The boot camp features the following:
- Sessions with buyers.
- Sessions with the Food Lover’s Market marketing teams.
- Gain insights into current retail trends.
- An insightful talk with the Food Lover’s Market CEO.
- Final pitch day where you will pitch your business to a panel of Food Lover’s Market executives.
On the final day of the boot camp, the winner(s) of the programme will be announced. The winner will be listed as a supplier to Food Lover’s Market stores. The winners are placed in first, second and third place.
If you are placed as a winner after the bootcamp, you will join a long list of previous applicants such as Setšong African Tea Crafters and Eddie’s Eggs who are now suppliers to multiple Food Lover’s Market stores.
If you want to become a supplier to Food Lover’s Market, you need to keep your eye out for when applications open for the Seeds of Change programme. Of course, there are other supplier programmes in South Africa such as Shoprite and Pick n Pay that you can apply for.
Pick the right supplier programme that aligns best with your business, or apply to all of them to increase your sales, revenue and reach.
For more information on getting your product or service on the shelves of big retailers, explore our extensive range of articles today! If you need any help with your business, visit SME Advice to speak to one of our experts.
