Carrefour Polska has announced that customers will be able to purchase imperfect carrots and apples at reduced prices at specially marked stands at all its hyper- and supermarkets in the country.
The retailer aims to combat food waste through this initiative and is working with Polish suppliers affected by the pandemic and closure of the HoReCa sector.
Product Range
Carrefour Polska customers will be able to buy irregularly shaped carrots for PLN 5.99 in 3-kilogram bags and apples at PLN 3.49 for 2 kilograms in its stores.
In terms of nutrition, these carrots and apples are wholesome products that did not reach gastronomy due to the closure of the HoReCa segment following the pandemic.
Farmers and fruit growers were left with unsold produce at the beginning of spring as a result, with fruit and vegetables from the new season beginning to gradually appear in the markets, pushing demand down.
Michał Gulczyński of Polfarm said, "In the coronavirus pandemic, planning the volume of agricultural production is a very difficult task.
"Gastronomy has experienced a lockdown several times and currently only realizes about 10% of takeaway orders."
Food Waste
Carrefour seeks to prevent food waste and has established long-term partnerships with the agricultural community.
It aims to help suppliers by offering imperfect fruit and vegetables suitable for direct consumption, as well as for the preparation of juices, salads and other dishes.
It is also counting on customers for waste prevention initiatives such as collecting returnable bottles and sales of products with a short shelf life at reduced prices in dedicated zones in its stores.
The promotion of fresh fruit and vegetables from local suppliers ties into Carrefour's nutritional transformation strategy, aiming to offer all consumers healthy products at an affordable price.
Gulczyński added that he hopes regular customers will appreciate the advantages of imperfect carrots, which do not differ in taste from vegetables sold for years under the chain's own brand.
© 2021 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Conor Farrelly. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
