Co-op Trade Briefing 2026 from IGD
igd.com
Co-op Trade Briefing 2026 from IGD
24 September 2026, 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM BST
Co-op Live, Etihad Campus, 1 Sportcity Way, Manchester M11 3DLThe Co-op leadership team welcomes suppliers back to the 2026 Co-op Trade Briefing from IGD.
This annual event is an opportunity to hear directly from Co-op's senior leaders about the strategic priorities, commercial focus areas and opportunities shaping the year ahead.
Bringing together Co-op leaders, category experts and industry partners, the event will provide valuable insight into Co-op's strategic direction, commercial priorities and future opportunities. Through a shared focus on Partnering for Growth, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how we can work together to unlock value for customers, members and suppliers alike.
A key feature of the event is the opportunity to network with the teams who help support and shape your business every day, enabling open conversations, stronger relationships and greater collaboration.
A message from Co-op’s new Chief Commercial Officer, Imran Rasul:
By attending in person, you’ll have the opportunity to:
Build and deepen relationships with Co-op leaders, buyers and functional teams
Take part in open, informal conversations that spark ideas and unlock new opportunities
Share challenges and ambitions directly with decision-makers
Explore how to work with Co-op more effectively to deliver sustainable growth
What to expect
Partnering for growth
Clear strategic direction - A transparent overview of how Co-op is resetting the fundamentals of the business and focusing on sustainable long-term growth.
Deep understanding of customer priorities - Insight into the key convenience missions shaping Co-op's decisions and where suppliers can best support growth.
Focus on value and growth opportunities - How Co-op is strengthening price perception, driving transactions, and unlocking growth in a competitive market.
Category and trading priorities - The key focus areas across categories, including range optimisation, availability, and expectations for innovation.
Key moments and activation plans - How Co-op plans to win through seasonal events, campaigns, and peak trading periods, and how suppliers can align their plans accordingly.
Innovation direction - The role of relevant, insight-led new product development in driving incremental growth and enhancing customer engagement.
Confidence in the plan - A clear view of how Co-op is building momentum through a focused strategy designed to improve performance and deliver growth in partnership with suppliers.
Setting suppliers up for success
Whether you're a long-standing supplier or new to working with Co-op, the Trade Briefing will provide practical insight into how we can continue partnering for growth.
Suppliers will leave with a clearer understanding of Co-op's priorities, ways of working, and how stronger collaboration can help unlock future opportunities for both businesses.
Hear direct from the Co-op leadership team
08:30
Registration & refreshments
09:30
Understanding the opportunities ahead
Laying the foundations for growth
The Co-op customer opportunity
Today’s food. Made easy. Done right.
10:50
Networking break
11:30
Partnering for growth: A conversation with Co-op’s leadership team & supplier Q&A
12:30
Lunch and networking
13:45
Growth through partnership: Breakout sessions & networking sessions
Turn insight into opportunity
Building on the morning's strategic discussions, the afternoon is dedicated to Growth Through Partnership.
Suppliers can attend up to two of the breakout sessions most relevant to their business, gaining deeper insight into category priorities, innovation opportunities and future growth plans, alongside these you can connect directly with Co-op commercial teams through dedicated networking hubs.
Networking hubs
Dedicated Fresh and Ambient networking hubs will be running alongside the breakouts, where suppliers can continue the conversation and connect directly with buyers, category teams and commercial leaders to discuss opportunities, strengthen relationships.
15:30
Close
Join us for the Co-op Pioneer Awards
Continue the conversation after the conference at the Co-op Pioneer Awards 2026 on the evening of Thursday 24 September at Co-op Live, Manchester. Network with Co-op leaders, colleagues and suppliers while celebrating the people and organisations helping to drive positive change and shared growth. Enquiries and ticket information: [email protected]
Pricing
In-person | Live stream | |
Member | £500 | £250 |
Non-member | £750 | £350 |
*Small business | £275 | £200 |
What's included
In-person | Live stream | |
Hear the latest strategic updates from the Co-op leadership team. | Yes | Yes |
Watch and replay selected presentations on-demand in your own time. | Yes | Yes |
Hear an economic update and forecast from the IGD team. | Yes | Yes |
Access the virtual event platform for pre and post content on-demand. | Yes | Yes |
Put your questions to the Co-op leadership team during a live and interactive Q&A. | Yes | Yes |
Have face to face conversations with the Co-op senior management team and make connections with the Co-op buyers. | Yes | |
Attend breakout sessions and engage with category content at the event. | Yes | |
Advance access to the event app to enable you to plan your day and maximise your event experience. | Yes |
Tickets
Prices displayed ex-VAT, IGD reserves the right to alter any element of the programme, such as speakers, times and venue, should the need arise. All bookings are subject to your acceptance of the IGD Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. This event is designed for current or potential suppliers and manufacturers of goods for sale in Co-op stores. Your identity data will be used by IGD and shared with Co-op for the purposes of administering the event, including in the Co-op Trade Briefing platform / app for a) in a delegate list; and b) allowing other delegates to send you messages within the platform / app. IGD and Co-op reserve the right to reject any order at their discretion.
*Small Business Rate
As part of IGD’s commitment to help small business to grow, IGD is offering a small business rate for this event.
To qualify for a discounted rate you will need to be a small manufacturing business with a global turnover of less than £10 million. Please note this is not your annual turnover with this retailer and is only available to manufacturing businesses. Place your order above and email your annual global turnover to [email protected], or get in touch if you have any questions.
Cancellation Fees
Cancellations to be confirmed in writing.
Over 30 days notice – Full refund
15 – 30 days notice – 50% refund (or transferred to virtual ticket)
Less than 15 days notice – No refund / transfers
Please email [email protected]
General information
Overview
IGD and Co-op, working in partnership are keen to create connection and conversation in a face-to-face setting. Co-op will share their progress on their strategic priorities and plans for the year ahead.
What's the format of the event?
In-person option:
A dedicated session with the Co-op leadership team on strategic priorities and plans for the year ahead
Put your questions to Co-op’s leadership team during a live Q&A
Our event app provides advance access, giving you time to prepare for the event and gain the most from the programme and venue on the day
Attend breakout sessions and engage with category content at the event
Live stream option:
View the keynote session with the leadership team on the strategic priorities and plans for the year ahead
Put your questions to Co-op’ leadership team during the live Q&A
Where is the event taking place?
The Co-op Trade Briefing from IGD is being held at Co-op Live, 1 Sports City Way, Etihad Campus, Manchester, M11 3DU.
Driving: Please use the post code M11 3DU, and follow the signs to Etihad Campus as you get closer - you will then need to follow signs for Blue Car Park and display your event app upon arrival to parking marshals to permit entry. Parking availability is subject to match activity on the day.
Public Transport: Trams on the Ashton-Eccles line run every 6 minutes from the city centre to the Etihad Campus stop, right next to the venue.
Further details can be found here.
Is there a dress code?
Most attendees opt for business casual, we would certainly suggest comfortable shoes as you move around the venue.
Can I get access to the recordings and presentations after the event?
Yes, abridged presentations and content will be available to view within 5 working days of the event ending. You will receive an email once slides are accessible via our virtual event platform and your MyEvents section of IGD.com. Keynote session recordings (excluding Q&A’s) will be made available on the platform for 10 working days after their release, after which the virtual platform closes.
Booking details and communication
I am registered for the event but haven’t heard anything in a while. What should I do?
All communications regarding the event will be sent via [email protected]. If you feel you have missed any communications, please reach out to [email protected].
Can I make a name change?
Name changes remain free of charge, we do ask that your request is with us one week prior to the event date, to enable access to our event app. Name changes must be made in writing to [email protected].
I can no longer attend, can I please get a refund or transfer my ticket to someone else?
A reminder of our refund policy:
Over 30 days notice - Full refund
15 - 30 days notice - 50% refund (or transferred to virtual ticket)
Less than 15 days notice - No refund
If you wish to transfer your ticket to a colleague, this is free of charge, please send over their details as well as those of the individual they will be replacing, to [email protected]. Please make sure the request is with us one week prior to the event to ensure access to the event app and virtual platform.
Could I please get a VAT receipt?
A receipt will be sent to your company’s finance department once your order has been processed. If you would like a copy, please send your order number & request to [email protected].
Our responsibilities to you
How do I communicate my accessibility needs?
We are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive event experience for all attendees. If you have an accessibility-related requirement or request for this event, please let us know in your registration profile (which you’ll be sent once your ticket has been purchased).
For more information, please contact [email protected].
What is your commitment to inclusion and diversity?
Inclusion and diversity are fundamental to our culture at IGD. The following measures are in place to support attendees feel included at our events:
Include your gender pronoun on your badge, via your registration profile (which you’ll be sent, once your ticket has been purchased).
A dedicated inclusion and diversity room will be available, please do email [email protected], for further details.
How does IGD ensure I'm kept safe at this event?
IGD is committed to providing safe and secure environments for our attendees. All local and national authority guidance and regulations will be adhered to by IGD and the venue team.
What is IGD doing to reduce the carbon impact of this event?
IGD and Co-op have worked to minimise our environmental impact wherever possible, the following measures are in place to continue our mission in this area:
Access to our interactive Event App
Using recycled, recyclable, and biodegradable materials where possible.
Minimising food waste
Monitoring and reducing our carbon footprint year on year
You can help support this mission by considering the following options:
Travel by public transport to the event.
Reduce travel for meetings: Utilise your time in Harrogate to conduct other meetings around this event.
Lanyard reuse: Please drop your badge and lanyard back to us at the end of the day, so we can clean and reuse this.
Key event contacts
General enquiries – [email protected]