TESCO TO TRIAL GIVING AWAY EXPIRED FOOD TO CUSTOMERS - 🥪

Report by Duncan Williams for Pulman's Weekly News

Tesco, the UK’s largest supermarket chain, is set to trial a new initiative aimed at reducing food waste by giving away expiring food to customers free of charge. The trial will take place in select Tesco Express stores, with yellow-stickered discounted items being offered to shoppers after 9.30pm - once they have first been made available to charities and store employees.

Tesco has long been committed to reducing food waste and has already established partnerships with charities and food banks to redistribute surplus food. However, this new direct-to-customer approach marks a first for UK supermarkets. The initiative aligns with Tesco’s goal of cutting its food waste by 50% this year as part of its broader net-zero emissions strategy.

While all major UK supermarket chains - Sainsbury’s, Asda, Aldi, and Morrisons - have pledged to halve food waste by 2030, Tesco appears to be the first to trial a direct giveaway scheme. Aldi claims to have already reached the 50% reduction target.

The scheme will be tested in an unspecified number of Tesco Express stores across the UK over the coming months. Under the plan, discounted perishable goods that remain unsold at the end of the day will be offered for free, but only after charities and Tesco staff have had the opportunity to claim them.

A Tesco spokesperson explained: "This trial will allow customers to take any remaining yellow-stickered items for free at the end of the day, after they have first been offered to charities and colleagues."

The initiative comes at a time when inflation has driven up food prices, with staples like meat, eggs, and cereals becoming more expensive. Many UK households are struggling with the cost of living, and food insecurity is on the rise. According to the Department for Work and Pensions, more than seven million people - 11% of the UK population - lived in food-insecure households in 2022–2023. This marks an increase of two million people from the previous year.

Food banks have also seen rising demand, with the Trussell Trust reporting 1.4 million new users over the past two years. By making surplus food available directly to customers, Tesco’s trial could provide much-needed relief to struggling households while also ensuring that less food ends up in waste bins.

Tesco’s commitment to halving food waste has faced some setbacks. The company initially reported a 45% reduction between 2017 and early 2024, but this figure was later corrected to just 18% after an audit revealed that some food waste was being used to generate gas for energy rather than being redistributed. Despite this, Tesco remains the dominant player in the UK grocery market, holding a 27.8% share. The company’s most recent sales figures indicate strong performance, driven by what it described as its "biggest ever Christmas".

The success of Tesco’s trial could influence other supermarkets to follow suit. While many retailers already discount expiring food, a free giveaway model could set a new standard in tackling food waste while also addressing food insecurity.

For now, customers will have to wait for details on when and where the trial will launch. If successful, it could pave the way for a permanent shift in how supermarkets handle unsold food - ensuring more food reaches those who need it most, rather than going to waste.

( Photo: Getty Images 📸 )