I was recently at the OLMA in St. Gallen, where the topic of "food waste" was very strongly highlighted from different perspectives. It was shown that in Switzerland around 1/3(!!!) of all food does not see a plate, but ends up in the trash without being eaten. There are studies worldwide that come up with a global food waste percentage of 50%. I am interested to know what Migros' position is on this issue. Does it have the issue on its radar? How does it deal with this issue in terms of logistics and the cold chain? What does Migros do with food that has just expired but is still in perfect condition? How does Migros see its obligation in this regard? Are there already concrete actions, such as sending dried food to areas affected by severe hunger? Questions upon questions, but I'm simply amazed, because nobody really needs to go hungry, do they?
All replies (7)
I have never been to an exhibition like BEA, MUBA, HIGA or OLMA, etc., but I have been to the "Green Week" in Berlin!
There has already been plenty of discussion about food waste on Migipedia. You can also find detailed information and statistics in VIVAI magazine, Migros magazine and Generation M!
I'm new here and haven't really followed the debate about food waste, at least not here on this platform or in Migros magazine. What always strikes me about this topic is that it is very often discussed, but there is no focus on solutions. The problem is only ever outlined and made bigger and bigger by facts. I am looking for SOLUTIONS, I want to know WHAT is being done, how Migros is fulfilling this corporate social responsibility, as it is so beautifully called, which in my opinion it has. I am simply interested and for me a solution-oriented approach increases the attractiveness and brand loyalty...
Hello @Alexander74
I spoke to a sustainability specialist at Migros and am pleased to inform you that Migros is very concerned about this issue.
Here are a few important facts to start with:
98.7% of the food that Migros offers in its stores and restaurants is also used as food. 0.2% is used as animal feed; 1.1% is used in fermentation (biogas); as compost or as waste in the waste incineration plant. Despite the small quantities, the aim remains to reduce the quantities in stores, restaurants and industries every year. A study commissioned by Migros clearly shows that the retail trade is not the main culprit here. Around 50% of food waste is generated in households. Each and every one of us therefore has a responsibility to reduce or avoid this wherever possible.
Migros is doing everything it can to avoid having to destroy any food. The following measures have been implemented:
-Dispo processes and merchandise management systems have been adapted and training has been provided to reduce waste.
-In the stores, goods are offered at discounts of 25% to 50% shortly before they expire.
-There are staff sales in the distribution centers and stores.
-Larger items are handed over to Caritas Switzerland or local aid organizations before they expire.
Migros also supports aid organizations with an annual contribution of a quarter of a million CHF to ensure the collection and distribution of food. Migros is also involved at national level and supports the Confederation in its efforts.
There is a lot to do!
Kind regards, Silvia
It bothers me personally that milk, for example, can no longer be sold 3 weeks before its expiration date. That's the case with quite a few products.
Just print the best-before date. On the last day, put it in the 50% compartment and there will certainly be a lot less "waste".
Already exists (I saw it in the dairy)....
only the use-by date has been changed for some articles
Guest
Hello Bascolo
As a rule, long-life UHT products have a long shelf life after the "sell by" date until the "use by" date. The fact is that UHT products are often bought precisely because they have such a good and long shelf life - they are therefore seen by many customers as stock products.
Simply printing the best-before date is not permitted by law: for perishable products, both "sell by" and "use by" dates must be printed.
I hope you can understand this.
Best regards
Tanja
As a rule, these are long-life UHT products, which still have a long shelf life after the "sell by:" date
If that were the case (which I question), Coop would be acting illegally. For a few weeks now, only the best-before date has been printed on some products (I noticed this on yogurts, PAST milk, cheese, smoked salmon). I thought to myself, what's the point...? Customers now have to be very careful what they buy if they don't want to consume it immediately. Previously, you could rely on the fact that products with an approaching end-of-sale date were sold at a discount and could be kept for a few more days. Now, products are sold at full price until the very last day of the best-before date, so be careful!