Family-Owned Retailer Launches “The Booths Accelerator” 

The Booths Accelerator was announced on the 27th of June at Fine Food North in Harrogate, a showcase of over 150 of the finest food and drink producers across the UK. Booths are set to invest via mentorship, product and   retail expertise, market access and targeted funding to help an emerging food or drinks brand to achieve the next stage of their growth plans.  

In celebration of 175 years of Booths and the spirit of the first E.H. Booth, The Booths Accelerator will offer a tailored programme of support to help grow, develop and sustain a food & drinks business of the future.   

Booths was founded in the spirit of entrepreneurship; EH Booth an orphan of little means, opened his first shop in Blackpool by borrowing £80 worth of stock from his previous employer.  Young Edwin’s flair and entrepreneurial spirit allowed him to pay for the goods in just three months, making a profit of £50. 

Booths Managing Director Nigel Murray says, “Getting a new product to market or an idea into production is a challenge, just as it was in 1847 when Booths began. 81% of food and drink start-ups don’t feel they get enough support from the industry. This initiative is set to change that, it’s our way of giving back, by sharing our insights, experience, and tactical investment to help the next generation of food businesses.  

“Our suppliers, farmers and producers making great products are the key ingredients to the success of Booths. The original EH Booth’s desire to sell the very best goods he could find, still drives our business.  We value the people and businesses who make exceptional food and drink and this initiative is to help nurture the food entrepreneurs of the future.”  

What’s on offer? 

Booths set to invest in both funds and expertise to help an emerging food brand to take them to the next level. Booths will offer one business a tailored 12-month package of support and expertise to help take their business or idea to the next level.   

• Retail listing at Booths  

• Technical/NPD/Manufacturing advice  
• Marketing and packaging design advice 
• Brand strategy 
• Regulatory advice  
• Industry and market insight   

• Finance, planning and logistics advice  
• Personal Mentorship 
• Financial investment 

The purpose of the initiative is to encourage new and emerging food & drinks businesses to flourish, and while only one business will receive the ultimate support package, through the application process you may find your product gains a listing at Booths or you’ll receive valuable feedback and advice on how to get your product to market.  

Timeline: 

• 27th June Booths Accelerator Scheme opens for applications 
• Applications are open until August 31st  
• Shortlisting process begins in September and selected entrants will be invited to pitch to the Booths Executive in October 

• Announcement of the Booths Accelerator will be announced on December 1 with programme of review and investment commencing in January 2023   

For more information or to apply for the Booths Accelerator scheme email accelerator@booths.co.uk or visit: https://www.booths.co.uk/the-booths-accelerator/