FOOD WASTE
SHELF LIFE HOW UK SUPERMARKETS ARE CUTTING WASTE
WHAT IS FARESHARE ?
FareShare helps prevent good food from going to waste by redistributing the products from some of the UK’s biggest food companies to thousands of charities and community groups. These organisations use the food to support people in their local communities, helping ensure that wasted food reaches those who need it rather than simply ending up in landfill.
UK supermarkets are finding new ways to tackle one of the UK’s biggest sustainability challenges... food waste. We are all guilty of wasting food in one way or another and with millions of tonnes of edible food thrown away each year, supermarkets are under increasing pressure to make a difference. FTB looks at how the major supermarkets are reducing waste through innovative initiatives, smarter stock management and community partnerships, while helping both the environment and shoppers make more sustainable choices
Charities and community groups can access food through FareShare in two
TESCO
ASDA
WAITROSE
ways; by joining the FareShare Community Food Membership scheme or by collecting free wasted food from local supermarkets and restaurants through FareShare Go. This approach helps connect businesses with excess food to communities where it can make a real difference.
Tesco is one of the largest UK supermarkets tackling food waste; it aims to have a 50% reduction in food waste in its operations by 2030. The company uses prediction systems to help stores order the right amount of stock and reduce unnecessary food coming in to the stores. Products approaching their expiry dates are discounted through “yellow sticker” reductions to encourage customers to buy food before it is wasted. Tesco also works with charities such as FareShare and Olio to redistribute unsold food to local communities.
Asda is working to reduce food waste by making sure food that would otherwise end in waste gets a second chance. In 2024, Asda expanded its partnerships with Too Good To Go (TGTG), Olio and food redistribution charity FareShare to help share unsold food with people and communities who can benefit from it. Through FareShare’s network of more than 8,500 charities and community groups, surplus food from Asda stores can be redistributed to those who need it most. Customers can also play their part by using the Too Good To Go app to buy “surprise bags” of unsold food at a reduced price. Shoppers can find their nearest participating stores, choose a collection time, and help save perfectly good food from going to waste.
Waitrose has focused on making sure waste food is eaten rather than wasted. Again, the supermarket works with charities including FareShare and Olio. Its “Wonderfully Wonky” range helps prevent fruit and vegetables being rejected because of their appearance. Waitrose is actively trying to change the way that the consumer views food and to not reject food based on appearance.
fareshare.org.uk/getting-food
WHAT IS OLIO ?
waitrose.com/ecom/content/ sustainability/food-waste
Olio is a simple way to stop good food going to waste. The free app connects neighbours, businesses and communities, allowing people to share wasted food and unwanted items instead of throwing them away. By giving food a second chance to be eaten, Olio helps to cut food waste.
Supermarkets are making significant efforts to reduce food waste through better planning, donations, and waste food schemes. However, the responsibility does not stop at the checkout. We as individuals will always play a vital role in tackling waste by shopping wisely, storing food correctly, and making the most of the food we do buy.
tescoplc.com/sustainability/ planet/food-waste/
corporate.asda.com/food-waste
olioapp.com
WHAT IS TOO GOOD TO GO ?
Too Good to Go is an app connecting users with restaurants, bakeries and stores selling surplus food at discounted prices, reducing waste while saving money.
toogoodtogo.com
Download Olio and Too Good To Go from your app store!
First Time Buyer October/November 2026 85
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