As food waste is becoming an increasingly acknowledged problem in the U.S., Walmart is taking an unusually sound step to address the issue. They are selling ugly produce.
Not produce that is marred by mold or anything else that would render it unhealthy, just produce that is less than pretty — food that one might want to photograph even though they taste just fine. The lumpy apple, the cross-eyed potato – the damaged goods that are still good if you eat with your mouth instead of your eyes.
According to Walmart U.S.’s SVP Global Food Sourcing, Produce and Floral Shawn Baldwin, Walmart has moved the outwardly ugly apples to the floor with labels that say “I am Perfect,” while the potatoes have been rebranded Spuglies.
The move comes in response to a disturbing statistic about food consumption around the world that sees about $750 billion worth of good and edible food going right to the trash.
Selling the slightly less than aesthetically perfect produce could save both Walmart and its customers millions, but to do it requires doing it right, if for no other reason than Walmart does not want consumers believing they are trying to poison them.
“This type of produce still tastes great and is beautiful on the inside; it just isn’t 100 percent perfect on the outside,” stated a company blog post by Ian Harrison, Asda Produce Technical Director. Asda has also moved toward the funky looking food as a way to fight food waste.
“By selling ‘wonky’ fruits and vegetables at a discounted price, we can help reduce food waste, while supporting farmers and offering customers even better value for their money.”
Walmart VP of Food Safety Frank Yiannas said the company has taken to heart efforts at bringing down food waste.
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