We're looking for the next winners of the fifth edition of the Spinneys Local Business Incubator programme
Step into the world of The Spinneys Local Business Incubator as we embark on our fifth edition, continuing our mission to identify and nurture entrepreneurial talent within the FMCG sector in the UAE. Launched in 2020, this programme has already achieved remarkable success by providing aspiring entrepreneurs with a fast-track route to market and a host of incredible benefits.
Our incubator programme aims to accelerate the journey of innovative businesses by expediting their supermarket listings. This not only supports local food production but also stimulates economic growth in the sector, reinforcing our commitment to the thriving UAE community.
In its inaugural year, we proudly introduced 14 exciting new brands, while an additional six were in the development phase. In 2021, amidst fierce competition from over 125 candidates, five extraordinary businesses emerged as the cream of the crop. Another five were selected in the 2022 edition and six in the 2023 edition.
We are thrilled to witness the remarkable success stories of past finalists, including renowned names such as The Botanist, Frio, Rory's Apawthecary, Zahra's Kitchen, and Eazy Freezy, among others. These outstanding brands serve as a testament to the effectiveness of our programme and the potential of local entrepreneurship.
Since its inception, the initiative has garnered praise from the UAE government's Food and Water Security office, acknowledging its significant contribution to The National Food Security Strategy.
Registrations for the 2024 Local Business Incubator programme are now open, commencing on Wednesday 10 July and closing on Saturday 31 August. If you believe your business has what it takes to shine, we encourage you to apply. Selected participants for the next stage will be contacted directly by Spinneys, where further information will be provided.
The Selection Process
All prospective suppliers must submit a presentation in a digital format. This could be a PowerPoint presentation, video, etc.
The presentation needs to detail the customer need, the product or concept, the business plan and the person behind the business.
The panel will review and shortlist potential businesses.
Shortlisted businesses will be invited for a face-to-face session to present their concept and answer questions posed by panel members.
The panel will then select businesses to list into Spinneys stores.
There is no fixed number of businesses that will be shortlisted or listed. This will be at the discretion of the panel and based on the merit of each individual idea.
Eligibility Criteria
The company must be registered in the UAE.
The owner(s) of the company must be a UAE resident or citizen.
The product needs to be manufactured or produced in the UAE.
The company should not already be trading with a supermarket group within the UAE. Companies can already be trading in pure online, market stall or independent retailers.
The product concept need not already be in production.
The product needs to be suitable for supermarket retail and aligned with Spinneys’ brand guidelines and values.
Spinneys Commitments
Spinneys will list the products in suitable stores for 12 months. There is no minimum number of stores and the distribution is subject to change during the 12-month period.
Spinneys will not charge any account opening fees, product listing fees or other up-front fees that can be considered a barrier to entry.
Payment terms will be 7 days from receipt of invoice.
Spinneys will not charge for a feature in any online/social media marketing content.
Suppliers will be entitled to a minimum of one gondola feature every 3 months without charge. Further secondary sittings can be agreed upon at the discretion of the commercial team.
Spinneys will provide content for the selected companies on the spinneys.com groceries website.
Spinneys will provide and cover all costs for one weekend of in-store sampling.
Spinneys will provide regular coaching sessions with senior commercial and marketing management during the 12-month period if requested.
Supplier Commitments
The shortlisted suppliers agree to sell exclusively to Spinneys for a period of 6 months. On expiry of the term, the suppliers will be free to list with other retailers. Suppliers can continue any existing trade channels that were in operation prior to the commencement of supply to Spinneys.
The supplier commits to offer all future innovation to Spinneys on a first refusal basis for a period of 3 years from the commencement of supply.
The supplier commits to producing private label variants of any products manufactured by them if requested by Spinneys.
The supplier agrees to participate in all marketing and social media content deemed necessary by Spinneys.
The supplier commits to all other standard trade terms set out in CTA to remain compliant with all legal obligations.
Termination of Contract
Either party can terminate the agreement during the term with 12 weeks-notice in writing.
Renewal of Contract
On completion of 12 months of supply, the contract will automatically be terminated.
Spinneys commercial team will decide if they wish to continue to retail the products.
In the event of continuation, the supplier will migrate to standard business terms which will extend payment terms and introduce listing fees and other charges.
