Waste not, want not

In June 2010, we became the first UK retailer to include storage instructions on loose produce bags, to help tackle the problem of household food waste.

The storage instructions show the best way to keep all the different types of loose fruit and veg that we sell in order to maintain freshness.

The guidance was drawn up by the Waste and Resource Action Programme (WRAP) (link opens in new window), and is included as part of our support for the Government-funded "Love Food Hate Waste" (opens in new window) campaign. This campaign aims to raise awareness of the problem of food waste, as well as providing practical tips and solutions to help consumers waste less food. 

According to WRAP, UK households throw away 6.7 million tonnes of food every year – 70% of which could have been eaten.  This works out at a cost of £617 per family, and creates the same CO² as one fifth of cars on UK roads.

We have also helped our customers reduce their food waste by switching emphasis of our promotional offers – particularly on perishable goods, such as fruit and veg – from volume-led deals, such as "buy one get one free", to value-driven promotions, such as half-price offers.  This means customers buy what they need, rather than doubling up on items they don’t necessarily want simply to take advantage of the promotional deal.

Our membership team recently ran nationwide "Watch your Waste" events, featuring cookery demonstrations and tips on how to reduce waste. The team of chefs created a range of recipes designed to use up your leftovers.