Coles supermarkets has partnered with FMCG startup website, Rangeme, to give small and medium sized businesses a new sales opportunity for their products.

Rangeme is a network of buyers and suppliers, enabling suppliers to pitch to Australian retailers and buyers.

The website launched in March and covers 30 national retailer groups that buy products for more than 5000 retail stores.

Founder of RANGEme, Nicky Jackson, says Rangeme will create efficiencies for small and medium businesses.

“Whether you have a grocery product, a healthy and beauty item or a fresh food product, this marketing tool will open new doors to Coles,” Jackson said.

“Small and medium businesses can often spend large amounts of time and resources looking to secure a buyer for their products. Rangeme provides them with an easy and confidential way to access the right buyers at Coles and promote their products directly.

“Buyers are time poor but they don’t want to miss out on new and innovative ideas either. This allows them to know about emerging products simply by accessing the website.”

Coles’ partnership with Rangeme is part of its move to increase its supply of locally produced food and drink following research which found 70 per cent of customers want to buy locally-grown or made food.

Coles head of merchandise support, Jon Haggett, said the new online initiative was an extension of Coles’ existing sourcing program to source new, innovative local products.

“We are keen to meet potential suppliers face to face and try to do that nationally whenever we can. However, this new online tool means that small and medium businesses have an easy and direct way to approach us with their new products,” he said.

Last month, former Metcash CEO, Andrew Reitzer, was named as a shareholder in the website.