We experienced a very productive fruit year in 2018. According to statistics, up to 60% of pome fruit is not sold because it does not meet external quality criteria.
During a longer stay in New Zealand, we noticed that there were boxes of free fruit for the children at the entrance to the larger branches of the major distributors. This makes sense from our point of view for several reasons:
The children are busy eating an apple while shopping, which makes shopping more enjoyable for the parents and the children are still involved in this important activity.
The children at least eat a healthy diet while shopping, which is not always a matter of course these days.
For Migros, this is more than just a promotional campaign. With the current surplus of apples, this could also be a positive signal to their suppliers.
Migros could also send out a signal that even fruit that does not look 100% like the norm is perfectly edible in terms of quality (the size of the apples in particular can be emphasized here. The smaller apples are even better for children). At the same time, this could herald a reversal of the trend (which is absolutely necessary) with Migros standing up front and saying yes. We stand by the fact that even visually imperfect goods are put on the shelves. As long as the "inner quality" is right. This is also an important signal from the major distributors to consumers with regard to the upcoming votes in the agricultural sector.
For Migros, this would be an incredible marketing tool that would make big waves and have a positive impact on its image.
Even though it may sound like it, I'm not a farmer or fruit producer who likes to get rid of his produce.
I am simply enthusiastic about this idea and can send a picture of what it looked like in the stores in New Zealand if required.
Kind regards and thank you for your feedback
Thomas Hufschmid
All replies (3)
It is already available in some Edeka stores and Rewe in Germany.
Previously, some British chains such as Tesco and Sainsburrys have also introduced it.
Would also welcome an introduction. It would stand out from all the other chains.
Hello Thomas, thank you for your message and your idea of giving free apples to children. I have forwarded it to the specialist department, which is now looking into your suggestion. However, I can imagine that implementation could be a challenge for the reasons mentioned by Bodenseeknusperlis.
Migros attaches great importance to high-quality goods. Nevertheless, we also sell 2nd class goods. We accept major deviations in the size of the fruit, external defects, etc. in the case of these 2nd class goods and M-Budget items. And depending on the season, we accept larger deviations for all apples, for example after hailstorms.
Deviating fruit also often goes directly to processing/industry. Migros is an important partner of Swiss agriculture and strives to ensure that the entire domestic production can be utilized.
Due to the large harvest this season, we have taken various measures to market the many apples in close cooperation with the production department. Last week, for example, we offered a "20% off all apples on sale" campaign. At the same time, we carried out various regional activities (campaigns, tastings, etc.) to sell the quantities.
Have a great Thursday. Best regards, Sina
@Bodenseeknusperli you have picked up on a few topics. A strawberry ice cream is much healthier than an apple. An apple as a gift would also be good for the children's menu.
I've also seen it packed everywhere, just don't take it home or eat it yourself.
Do NOT eat in the store, the train has left in the waiting queue, chips are opened or the lid is barely out of the cooler and drink.
I have never seen half apples thrown or left on the floor, etc. You should demand a deposit for trays and glasses that you get back when you clear them. There are always full trays left standing, or paper is not sorted when clearing the conveyor belt and left on the tray. Really bad, but I often clear trays.
Lg @Mystery1978