Becoming a supplier

Becoming a supplier

We're always looking for new UK food producers, both medium and small. We are interested in finding innovative foods that are truly unique, have an interesting heritage and, most importantly taste great. It's easy to apply to the Supply something new scheme. We need you to complete a questionnaire, which can be downloaded from this website.

Please note: Due to the high volume of forms we receive we are unable to reply to any forms completed by non-UK or non-food suppliers.

1. Apply
The application form is available to download from this site (word version, PDF version) and can be submitted by email to supply.somethingnew@sainsburys.co.uk or by post to:

Supply something new
Regional Trading Team
Sainsbury's
33 Holborn
London EC1N 2HT

2. Applications screened
Sainsbury's screens applications and discusses with the relevant buyers.

3. Supplier feedback / further info requested
We will request samples and further details on products of interest to the buyer. Feedback will be sent to the supplier if buyer cannot progress with the product.

4. Meeting invitation sent out
Shortlisted suppliers will be invited to come and meet the relevent team in Holborn in London.

5. Feedback
Suppliers will receive feedback from the relevant team members and the supplier will have the chance to ask any questions.

6. Successful producers begin supplier set up
Successful producers have a meeting with the Sainsbury's category team. The team includes a product developer, a product technologist, a buyer and a representative from the supply chain.

Following this meeting, a product brief is issued, product development continues, the producer's site is audited, cost prices are agreed and supply chain discussions take place, including the number of days' production and delivery. We support the 'SALSA' scheme, which offers both mentoring and an audit to determine safety, legality and quality standards of the producer's site. Further details can be found at www.salsafood.co.uk. This will form part of our core due diligence requirement.

Product Developers
Product Developers work with producers to create new products and improve existing ones. They look at the quality and sourcing of the ingredients, how the product fits into the rest of the range and how the packaging will look. If successful, you'll mainly work with the Product Developer prior to launching your product.

Product Technologists
Product Technologists manage the technical side of our products. They work with producers to help them understand our technical requirements and how to use our technical systems. They are also responsible for making sure that all our products are safe. If successful, you'll work with the Product Technologist prior to launching your product to develop your technical understanding.

Buyers
Buyers are responsible for the commercial aspect of projects. They decide what we sell in the range. If successful you'll work with the buyer prior to launch to agree costs and post launch to discuss how the product is performing and potential promotions.

Supply Chain
The Supply Chain team co-ordinates the transportation of products from producers to stores. If successful, you'll mainly work with the Supply Chain team post launch to manage the delivery of your product into our depots.

Our values

Our five values provide the framework for how we do business at Sainsbury's. They guide us in everything we do - from key business decisions to day-to-day activities.