From the end of February, Lidl will be implementing a new food rescue concept called „I'm still good“ in all of its 3,200 shops in Germany.
Items of impeccable quality from all relevant product groups such as dairy products, fresh produce, baked goods, dry goods, frozen products, etc. are stored for a few days. before reaching the best-before date with „50 per cent“ stickers and placed in green boxes labelled „I'm still good“ offered.
Depending on the product range, the boxes are easily visible, for example in the chiller or next to the promotional items can be found in the shop. The new box replaces Lidl's previous practice of discounting products from a small number of product groups by 30 per cent and extends the targeted price reduction in order to ultimately reduce the price of the products. to throw away fewer products.
On the way to Zero Waste As part of its 2030 sustainability strategy, Lidl has made a commitment to minimise food waste and organic waste. Reduce waste by 30 per cent by 2025. To this end, the company has been focussing on a holistic system approach along the value chain for years, so that overstocked food is already largely avoided today.
„Food belongs on the plate and not in the bin. With „I'm still good“, we can save food together with our customers in a very simple and targeted way. Regional tests have shown a promising reduction in food waste in the double-digit percentage range. The conspicuous and significant reduction appeals to customers and helps us as a company to throw away less expired food. It is important to develop new concepts and constantly scrutinise where we can improve,“ says Tomasz Kuzma, Head of Sales at Lidl Germany.
Increased sales through targeted discounts also pay off for the Nationwide strategy of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) „Too good for the bin“ whose logo is also printed on the new Lidl boxes. At the same time, the discounter wants to become a global Goal of the United Nations for sustainable consumption and production patterns to reduce food waste by 50 per cent by 2030.
Food rescue with a system
The basis for food rescue is created by a Efficient logistics and needs-based ordering of goods with the help of an effective merchandise management system, resulting in very good stock and sales calculations.
„As a food retailer, we appreciate the value of food. In order to operate efficiently, it is in our own interest to use resources sustainably. This is why we are actively involved in the Lidl food rescue programme, from the supplier to the consumer, to combat food waste and want to inform and motivate customers to become food rescuers,“ adds Kuzma.
Source: Lidl
