Tesco has reportedly saved an estimated 50 million packs of produce under its “Perfectly Imperfect” food waste scheme.
The Big 4 grocer first launched the initiative five years ago in a bid to sell wonky fruit and vegetables to customers to prevent them from going to waste.
It is estimated to have saved 44,000 tonnes of fresh produce from being thrown out.
The scheme first started selling parsnips and potatoes, and has since expanded to include 12 different offerings including leeks, lettuce, strawberries and cauliflower.
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The selection varies depending on the season and allows the supermarket to take in more of the crop with the aim of maximising the volume of produce sold in stores.
For example, the grocer claimed to have sold over 17 million packs of wonky strawberries in the past five years.
The initiative comes as part of the retailer’s target to halve global food waste by 2030, including a focus on reducing food loss across its supply chain.
“With COP26 just days away and people increasingly thinking about ways they can make a difference, it’s the perfect time to talk about food waste,” Tesco head of food waste reduction Tony McElroy said.
“Selling wonky fruit and veg is one way that Tesco ensures the food we grow ends up feeding people.”
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