Co-op is now printing storage instructions on the bags themselves, so customers have the information to take home with them. The storage instructions relate to a selection of loose fruit and veg that Co-operative stocks, and indicate the optimum conditions under which each of the products should be kept to maintain freshness.
The initiative is part of the retailer’s support for the government-funded ‘Love Food Hate Waste’ campaign, which aims to raise awareness of the need to reduce food waste, as well as providing practical tips and solutions to help consumers waste less food.
According to the Waste & Resources Action Programme (Wrap), UK households throw away a 6.7 million tonnes of food every year, 70% of which could have been eaten. This works out at a cost of £617 per household, and creates the same amount of CO2 as one fifth of cars on UK roads.
Richard Swannell, director of retail, Wrap, said: “We welcome this latest initiative from The Co-operative, which makes it easier for its customers to know how to best store fresh fruit and vegetables. For example, apples kept in the fridge can keep for an extra two weeks. This is the latest example of how The Co-operative is supporting the ‘Love Food Hate Waste’ campaign, helping customers to save money by throwing away less food.”
The Co-operative is also supporting the ‘Love Food Hate Waste’ campaign by switching the emphasis of its promotional offers, particularly on perishable goods such as fruit and veg, from buy-one-get-one-free to half-price offers.
Debbie Robinson, director of food marketing at The Co-operative Group, said: “Household food waste is a growing problem and, as the UK’s largest convenience store retailer, we’re determined to do all we can to help our customers tackle this issue, as well as helping them to spend wisely in these difficult times.”
Later in the year, The Co-operative’s membership teams will also be running a series of ‘Watch your waste’ events throughout the UK, featuring cookery demonstrations and tips on how to reduce waste.
Storage tips:
Source: The Co-operative Group
© FoodBev Media Ltd 2024