Retailers seen to be doing their bit to reduce food waste by offering a local, personal, environmentally responsible service, are becoming the go-to for European shoppers. Better still, change doesn’t have to be sweeping. Sometimes just one or two smart ideas could see stock selling out and food waste slashed.
To help food retailers in the Nordic countries, Brother is sharing some tips that could help you keep both your produce and your profits, fresh.
Wholesome initiatives for your customers and the planet
- Buy locally so your customers can too – eco-conscious European consumers are increasingly keen to buy produce with minimal food mileage. For retailers this is great news because local produce sells quickly and thereby cuts store waste. Creating easily edited templates is a great way to proudly make customers aware that they’re buying local. Signage you can quickly print off detailing the locality, heritage and quality of produce, could see stock selling even quicker.
- Stock imperfect fruit and vegetables – more than a third of all fruit and vegetables grown in Europe is thrown away before it enters the food chain because it is deemed too ‘wonky’1. Stocking produce that is strangely shaped or slightly blemished, immediately reduces waste. Better still, it’s a fantastic seller. That said, some customers may have reservations. Inspire them with ways to use imperfect produce, for example, with recipes for smoothies or stews.
- Share waste-reducing hacks with your customers – clever tips such as freezing herbs in olive oil in ice trays, or multi-purposing ingredients to double up meals, could help customers slash their household food waste. Again, you can do this by printing template signage.
- Offer try-before-you-buy on local products – customers are more likely to buy a product they know they like. And by the same token they’re less likely to waste it. So why not offer free samples of locally made artisan products such as sauces and preserves?