A new, innovative app has launched in Australia this month, designed to save you money in the supermarket and tackle food waste - introducing Gander. Having already made a significant impact in the UK following its launch in 2019 where it has been successfully implemented in over 500 stores and estimated to have diverted over 25 million items of food from waste into the hands of savvy shoppers, Gander is now available to Australians nationwide.
In a first for Australia, Gander presents an innovative solution that connects shoppers with discounted food items nearing their expiration dates, providing substantial savings while significantly reducing food waste in supermarkets and grocery stores.
Country Grocers in regional Victoria are one of the first retailers in Australia to embrace Gander's technology and spearhead the movement towards a net-zero independent retail sector in line with the Government's goal to halve food waste by 2030.
Developed using cutting-edge technology, Gander empowers consumers by offering real-time information on markdowns available in nearby retail stores. The app integrates with a retailer's point-of-sale system to ensure a live feed of data from the shop floor. As a product is marked down in store, it is displayed on the app in real-time and similarly, when sold or removed from the shelves, the item is removed from the app.
"Gander offers a win-win-win solution; for consumers, retailers and the planet. By simply incorporating the app into their weekly shopping habits, Australians can play an active role in building a sustainable future," said Tim Brown, co-founder of Gander Australia.
Currently, retailers rely on shoppers sporadically finding markdowns in store, resulting in over half of this food going to waste. With Gander, this food is automatically showcased to local residents and commuters, motivating them to nip in and bag a bargain, not only enabling significant savings on groceries but also supporting retailers in their efforts to reduce food waste and minimise their carbon footprint.
Each year, the Australian retail sector contributes approximately 286,000 tonnes of food waste to landfill. As this waste decomposes, it releases methane, a greenhouse gas that is even more potent than carbon dioxide.
Holistically, food waste accounts for 3% of Australia's annual greenhouse gas emissions thus feeding climate change, while one-third of Australian households face food insecurity.
"Food waste is a critical issue that requires immediate attention, especially in the face of the climate crisis and rising living cost," said Mr Brown. "The average Australian household spends between $2,000–$2,500 per year on food that is wasted, yet still, almost half of Australians can't afford to fill their trolley with groceries due to the rising cost of food."
"We believe that by providing shoppers with a tangible solution that fits seamlessly into their daily routines, we can drive positive change and make a lasting impact on both the environment and people's wallets."
Now available in all five Country Grocers in Regional Victoria – Avoca, Ballan, Smythesdale, Skipton and Trentham – local shoppers will be able to take part in the fight against food waste and enjoy significant savings on their groceries.
"We are delighted to be at the forefront of innovation to offer our community a solution that benefits everyone," said Ben Hall, Country Grocers Australia. "We're committed to strive for a more sustainable future and Gander provides a fantastic solution to reducing food waste. Our customers will benefit by being able to purchase perfectly good food at a discount while helping to save the planet."
Find out more about Gander Australia on the official website here.