Metro launches in-store program to fight food waste

Metro is taking another bite out of food waste with a new discount program. At 20 stores in Quebec, Metro is offering a 30% discount on products that are nearing their expiry date.

The company said the “30% off” stickers will be placed on products every day, as employees do “freshness rounds” in the produce, meat, fish, deli, cheese, bakery, grocery and dairy departments.

Discounted products that do not get sold will either be given to food banks or taken to an organic matter recycling facility.

READ: What a waste!

“This new program not only reduces food waste and losses, it also reduces the grocery bill for customers who buy these soon-to-be expired but still perfectly good products,” said Marc Giroux, senior vice-president, Metro, in an email to Canadian Grocer.

The pilot project could expand over the next few months if the customer response is positive.

The program is just the latest in Metro’s ongoing efforts to reduce waste. In 2016, Metro committed to a zero waste target for its Quebec and Ontario stores participating in recycling programs.

READ: Metro to allow reusable containers in effort to cut waste

In 2017, Metro partnered with the Supermarket Recovery Program run by Food Banks of Quebec. During a major fundraising campaign, Metro donated $500,000 to the program.

This year, Metro pledged a 50% reduction in food waste related to its operations by 2025 as compared to 2016.