Convenience store chain Costcutter have announced their collaboration with the food waste app Too Good To Go, contributing to their battle to reduce the amount of store waste and the consequences of its environmental effects.
At present, the app will be trialled in 20 Costcutter stores, though it has already saved the equivalent of 1,000 meals during its initial test period. Showcasing how effective such solutions can be in the campaign to reduce wastage, as well as the wider environmental issues and the ongoing pressures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking of the announcement, UK country manager for Too Good To Go, Paschalis Loucaides said: "It normally takes between four and six weeks to recruit a retailer with CSG's business model, with a store estate made up largely of independent retailers. CSG's enthusiasm meant that the entire process, including set-up and training staff, took just 18 days from initial conversation to the pilot going live. This is astounding and underlines CSG's dedication to making a change to tackle food waste."
"After just two weeks, one of CSG's company-owned stores alone saved nearly 1,000 magic bags of food, which is something to be really proud of. We're really looking forward to continuing our partnership and seeing what impact we can make together in the fight against food waste."
The app itself helps stores to reduce their overall food waste, carbon footprint, attract more conscious consumers and even help them sell 'Magic Bags'; surplus fresh items which are set to expire and be binned on the day of purchase.
Consumers can download the Too Good To Go app for free, then view the participating stores with unsold goods, then collect their Magic Bag from the store during an allotted window.
Costcutter marketing director Sean Russell stated: "We're thrilled to be partnering with Too Good To Go as part of our strategy to develop the role that our company owned stores play in communities and how we can then look to share this with our independent retailers."
"We recognise the role we have to play in helping our retailers reduce food waste in stores and Too Good To Go offers the perfect solution, distributing food in the most environmentally friendly way, feeding local communities at a considerably reduced price, and supporting our stores to reduce their waste and the financial cost that goes with that."
To find out about 'shifting the future of food & drink' and to join the TFP community visit www.thefoodpeople.co.uk