Date
3 August 2020
Tags
Continente sells zero % waste fruit and vegetable box
According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), each year, more than half of the fruits and vegetables offered for sale are wasted, along the entire value chain and in the consumer's home. To fight the problem in its stores, Continente has developed 5kg boxes with fruits and vegetables that are close to exceeding the optimal consumption point, on sale for just € 0.50 / kg.
The “Zer0% Desperdício” (Zer0% Waste) boxes are for sale in the Continente stores’ fresh produce area, with a selection of fruits and vegetables that are nearing the end of their commercial value, but are still in perfect condition for consumption. Despite being able to see each box’s content, the content is listed on the outside of the box. The brand ensures that the contents of each box are carefully selected by store employees who 'redeem' only those fruits and vegetables that continue to meet quality and freshness standards.
The initiative is currently present in 29 stores*, but the brand indicates that it is being studied to extend it to the rest, thus avoiding the waste of 25 tonnes of fruits and vegetables per year.
These snacks and juices also fight food waste.
In addition to this box, the brand is taking advantage of the waste generated in the production of PGI apples and pears by turning them into dehydrated fruit snacks, for sale for € 0.69 each 20g package, but that’s not all: there are also natural juices made only from these squeezed fruits, without any added sugar or water, such as the 1.5 litre 100% Alcobaça apple juice for 2.99 €.
Also, in order to avoid breakages and contribute to a more sustainable planet, Continente stores donate their daily food surpluses to social solidarity and animal support institutions. In 2019, surpluses corresponding to 12 million euros were donated to more than 1,013 institutions across the country.
For Pedro Lago, Director of Sustainability Projects at Sonae MC, “Continente, as a retailer, has a fundamental role in fighting food waste, helping to set an example and encourage consumers, employees and suppliers to take an active role in this work, which is everyone's responsibility”.
Continente has been working on circular economy and waste fighting projects, such as, Sweets & Chutneys made from fruits and vegetables that lose their commercial validity but that are transformed and gain new life; Panana, a cake rich in manganese, made with pulp from bananas that people no longer want to take from stores; and Bread Beer, a craft beer developed together with “Vadia”, produced with surplus bread from Continente’s bakeries.
* Stores with “Zer0% Desperdício” (Zer0% Waste) boxes:
Continente Amadora
Continente Antas
Continente Arrábida
Continente Barreiro
Continente Colombo
Continente CoimbraShopping
Continente Covilhã
Continente Évora
Continente Fórum Coimbra
Continente GaiaShopping
Continente LoureShopping
Continente Maia Jardim
Continente Matosinhos
Continente Montijo
Continente Oeiras
Continente Ovar
Continente Santarém
Continente Santo António De Cavaleiros
Continente Seixal
Continente Telheiras
Continente Torres Novas
Continente Modelo P. Varzim
Continente Modelo S. Félix Marinha
Continente Modelo Tapada das Mercês
Continente Bom Dia Alfornelos
Continente Bom Dia Algés
Continente Bom Dia Monte Caparica
Continente Bom Dia Moura
Continente Bom Dia Póvoa Stª Iria
The “Zer0% Desperdício” (Zer0% Waste) boxes are for sale in the Continente stores’ fresh produce area, with a selection of fruits and vegetables that are nearing the end of their commercial value, but are still in perfect condition for consumption. Despite being able to see each box’s content, the content is listed on the outside of the box. The brand ensures that the contents of each box are carefully selected by store employees who 'redeem' only those fruits and vegetables that continue to meet quality and freshness standards.
The initiative is currently present in 29 stores*, but the brand indicates that it is being studied to extend it to the rest, thus avoiding the waste of 25 tonnes of fruits and vegetables per year.
These snacks and juices also fight food waste.
In addition to this box, the brand is taking advantage of the waste generated in the production of PGI apples and pears by turning them into dehydrated fruit snacks, for sale for € 0.69 each 20g package, but that’s not all: there are also natural juices made only from these squeezed fruits, without any added sugar or water, such as the 1.5 litre 100% Alcobaça apple juice for 2.99 €.
Also, in order to avoid breakages and contribute to a more sustainable planet, Continente stores donate their daily food surpluses to social solidarity and animal support institutions. In 2019, surpluses corresponding to 12 million euros were donated to more than 1,013 institutions across the country.
For Pedro Lago, Director of Sustainability Projects at Sonae MC, “Continente, as a retailer, has a fundamental role in fighting food waste, helping to set an example and encourage consumers, employees and suppliers to take an active role in this work, which is everyone's responsibility”.
Continente has been working on circular economy and waste fighting projects, such as, Sweets & Chutneys made from fruits and vegetables that lose their commercial validity but that are transformed and gain new life; Panana, a cake rich in manganese, made with pulp from bananas that people no longer want to take from stores; and Bread Beer, a craft beer developed together with “Vadia”, produced with surplus bread from Continente’s bakeries.
* Stores with “Zer0% Desperdício” (Zer0% Waste) boxes:
Continente Amadora
Continente Antas
Continente Arrábida
Continente Barreiro
Continente Colombo
Continente CoimbraShopping
Continente Covilhã
Continente Évora
Continente Fórum Coimbra
Continente GaiaShopping
Continente LoureShopping
Continente Maia Jardim
Continente Matosinhos
Continente Montijo
Continente Oeiras
Continente Ovar
Continente Santarém
Continente Santo António De Cavaleiros
Continente Seixal
Continente Telheiras
Continente Torres Novas
Continente Modelo P. Varzim
Continente Modelo S. Félix Marinha
Continente Modelo Tapada das Mercês
Continente Bom Dia Alfornelos
Continente Bom Dia Algés
Continente Bom Dia Monte Caparica
Continente Bom Dia Moura
Continente Bom Dia Póvoa Stª Iria