Brakes has introduced a new initiative aimed at helping small businesses start supplying into the sector.
The ‘Get Set Supply!’ programme will pair selected suppliers with mentors from Brakes or established suppliers, providing guidance and support to help drive sales through the company.
After an online application process, around 12 shortlisted companies will be invited to a quarterly innovation session with hospitality operator customers and key procurement contacts. Successful suppliers from the session will then be selected to have their products listed.
The new suppliers will benefit from a comprehensive support programme, including sales presentations, sampling, and promotional initiatives, to help them grow within Brakes.
Brakes has committed to training its merchandising team to support food producers joining the programme.
Paul Nieduszynski, chief executive of Sysco GB, said: “It can sometimes be daunting for small suppliers to try to get into large businesses and, once there, to be successful.
“We want to demystify the process and provide support for around 25 new suppliers every year, giving them the opportunity to start supplying Britain’s foodservice market in a sustainable way that can grow with their business. We know that there are some great products out there and we want to help those companies tell their story.
“Our programme will be a real incubator for talent and, as part of the world’s leading foodservice wholesaler, who knows where it will take them!”
Brakes is now accepting applications for the inaugural wave of Get Set Supply! nominees.
In 2024, Fresh Direct, Brakes’ fresh produce arm, began listing salad and baby leaves from Kent-based GrowUp Farms, marking the company’s third collaboration with a British vertical farm, following Fischer Farms in Norwich in 2023.