Tesco has announced a new partnership with Kenyan produce growers that it says will save 135 tonnes of edible fine bean crop from going to waste each year, while its shoppers benefit from a fresher product.
Until recently, growers had been required to deliver green beans within a specific size range, and to trim them before they were packed and shipped to the UK. However, Tesco has since found that customers would rather have the beans uncut.
As part of the ongoing review of its food sourcing policy, Tesco has widened its length specifications for green beans and stopped the trimming procedure, meaning that 15 per cent of the bean will no longer go to waste.
The new specifications will also mean that Tesco customers will be able to benefit from a fresher, uncut product, leading to less food waste in the home.
Tesco Commercial Director for Fresh Food Matt Simister commented, "Our overall aim is to use as much of the edible crop as possible."
He added that as part of the new partnership, "If there is a surplus, we will work with suppliers to find an outlet – for example, by connecting our growers with our fresh and frozen suppliers for it to be used in foods such as ready meals."
© 2016 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Jenny Whelan. To subscribe to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine, click here.
