ALDI SOUTH sells fruit and vegetables with imperfections

Many food products do not end up on the supermarket shelves because of visual imperfections and are separated from sell-able products. In order to draw attention to this type of food wasting, ALDI SOUTH offers Class II carrots and apples. The "Crooked things", as ALDI SOUTH calls them, can have slight imperfections. However, they taste just as great as their perfect supermarket neighbours. The organic carrots have been available at ALDI SOUTH since the end of August. The apples will be available at the end of September.

ALDI SOUTH will offer Class II carrots. These "Crooked things", as ALDI SOUTH calls them, can have slight imperfections, but taste just as great as their supermarket neighbours. The organic carrots have been available at ALDI SOUTH since the end of August. - Foto: Aldi South

ALDI SOUTH takes a stand against food waste in the supply chain

Too shapeless and too crooked - In the public discussion, the standard requirements for outer appearance are named as the number one reason for the existence of food waste in the supply chain. Especially fruit and vegetables are at the centre of this discussion.

"By offering 'second class' products, we expand our purchasing tolerance and take a stand against food waste in the supply chain. At the same time, we convince our customers that fruit and vegetables with small outer imperfections nevertheless have a great quality taste," explains Philipp Skorning from ALDI SOUTH. He continues: "How much fruit and vegetables in one package will have imperfections depends on agricultural circumstances such as the weather."

Münster college analyses the effect
For several years, the Institute for Sustainable Nutrition of the Münster college has been working on the reduction of avoidable food waste. In cooperation with ALDI SOUTH, they will assist in the sale of the "Crooked things" by using scientific methods. The primary goal is to find the cause of food waste and to identify more potential ways of reducing it.

ALDI SOUTH committed to fight food waste
As a participant of the EU project "REFRESH", ALDI SOUTH has committed to continue reducing food losses and food waste by means of several measures. You can find more information about ALDI SOUTH'S commitment against food waste in the supply chain on their Website.