Ocado has unveiled a new online section promoting female-owned brands through its ‘Buy Women Built’ initiative.
- More than 1,000 products from female entrepreneurs will be featured on Ocado’s platform.
- The campaign was initiated by Sahar Hashemi, founder of Coffee Republic, to enhance sales for women-led businesses.
- 130 brands, including both recognised and emerging names, are part of this initiative.
- The drive aligns with previous efforts to encourage buying locally, such as the ‘Buy British’ campaign.
Ocado has introduced a novel approach to retail with its ‘Buy Women Built’ initiative, spotlighting products from female entrepreneurs. This strategic move enriches its platform by adding over 1,000 diverse products made by women. This online feature aims to raise the profile of female-founded businesses, thus empowering women in business across the United Kingdom.
Spearheaded by Sahar Hashemi, the founder of Coffee Republic, the campaign seeks to amplify the visibility and sales of women-led enterprises. Her vision materialised through Ocado, which has embraced the initiative by dedicating sections on its app, website, and ‘Inspire Me’ tab. The ultimate goal is not just sales, but societal change in perceptions about female entrepreneurship.
The campaign showcases 130 brands, mixing established names like Little Moons and Pip & Nut with innovative start-ups such as All Dressed Up sauces. This blend of well-known and new brands ensures that consumers have access to a broad spectrum of products and stories, enhancing the appeal of the campaign to a wide audience.
Ocado’s Chief Executive, Hannah Gibson, highlighted the scarcity of women entrepreneurs, stating, “There are far fewer women entrepreneurs out there and we want to support that community.” The campaign is far from a mere promotional gimmick; it is a genuine effort towards societal progress. Hashemi noted the UK’s lag in female entrepreneurship compared to other developed nations by 30%, citing confidence as a crucial barrier.
The ‘Buy Women Built’ campaign follows in the footsteps of the recent ‘Buy British’ initiative, where supermarkets, including Ocado, highlighted locally sourced products. This continuity indicates a broader trend towards promoting sustainability and supporting local economies.
The ‘Buy Women Built’ campaign represents a significant step towards supporting female entrepreneurship in the UK.