Ocado has introduced a dedicated section to support female entrepreneurship.
- The ‘Buy Women Built’ initiative offers over 1,000 products made by women.
- This campaign was spearheaded by Coffee Republic founder Sahar Hashemi.
- Ocado aims to bridge the gender gap in entrepreneurship by showcasing female-led brands.
- The initiative follows a successful ‘Buy British’ campaign by various supermarkets.
Ocado has launched a significant initiative called ‘Buy Women Built’, aiming to support female entrepreneurs by providing them a platform to showcase their products. This new section on Ocado’s app and website features banners that highlight products created by women, allowing consumers to easily access and purchase from a collection of over 1,000 items. The idea is to boost the visibility and sales of female-founded businesses, offering a diverse selection for customers.
Spearheaded by Sahar Hashemi, the founder of Coffee Republic, this campaign represents a strategic effort to promote female entrepreneurship within the retail space. Hashemi, who convinced Ocado to adopt this initiative, emphasizes the importance of ‘signposting’ rather than patronizing. She highlights that the UK lags behind other developed nations by 30% in female entrepreneurship, attributing this gap to issues of confidence among women.
Ocado has curated a diverse collection of 130 brands led by women. Among these are both well-established and emerging names. Notable brands such as Little Moons ice cream and Pip & Nut peanut butter are joined by innovative start-ups like All Dressed Up sauces, offering consumers a range of options while supporting women entrepreneurs.
Hannah Gibson, the chief executive of Ocado Retail, expressed a commitment to bolstering the community of female entrepreneurs, noting the scarcity of women in entrepreneurship roles. She articulated a clear vision for the initiative, “There are far fewer women entrepreneurs out there and we want to support that community.”
This initiative comes on the heels of a recent campaign encouraging consumers to support local products through a ‘Buy British’ drive, which saw various supermarkets dedicate online sections to promote British-grown food. The ‘Buy Women Built’ campaign is not only about supporting existing female entrepreneurs but also aims to inspire future generations, demonstrating the power and potential of women in business.
Ocado’s ‘Buy Women Built’ initiative is a forward-thinking move to empower and inspire female entrepreneurs, demonstrating the potential impact of women in the retail industry.
