The principle is very simple: Via the Too Good To Go app, BILLA and BILLA PLUS bags filled with groceries can be reserved and paid for, which can then be collected in a pre-defined time window. The contents of the FSC-certified, biodegradable paper bags are a surprise, depending on what is left after closing time. One thing is certain: The variety of products contained in any case is enjoyable and as varied as the assortment of BILLA and BILLA PLUS itself and consists mainly of fruit and vegetables as well as baked goods, products from the dry assortment, milk and dairy products as well as individual delicacies. The cost per bag is 4.99 euros, which is one third of the original value of the goods. The offer will be extended to 90 locations in Vienna and Lower Austria from April.
"As a food retailer, it is our duty to deal responsibly with the resources available to us. Therefore, we rely on several targeted measures to avoid food waste in our stores as much as possible. The expansion of the cooperation with Too Good To Go is an important step in the right direction and a meaningful addition to our previous commitment," explains Harald Mießner, BILLA CEO.
"We are very pleased to be working with one of Austria's largest food retailers to combat the disposal of edible food. This serves as a role model and is an essential step for climate protection," says Georg Strasser, Country Manager of Too Good To Go Austria.
A bag full of surprises
At set times, which can be viewed in the app and selected by the user, the sacks are available for collection in the respective BILLA or BILLA PLUS store. "We are convinced that Austrians are very concerned about the responsible use of food and that many of them would like to contribute to giving valuable products a second chance. We are very pleased to offer them an uncomplicated opportunity to do so through our cooperation with Too Good To Go," says Hamed Mohseni, BILLA Head of Sales in Vienna.
Living sustainability on several levels
The responsible philosophy of the BILLA family is reflected in a wide variety of measures and projects that are already being implemented and begins with forward planning in purchasing. Food that is about to reach its best-before date is marked with "food is precious" stickers ranging from -25% to -50% in the spirit of raising awareness and can thus be offered at a discounted price. In addition, BILLA and BILLA PLUS also offer the so-called "Wunderlinge", products that would otherwise not have made it onto the shelves due to their "blemishes", but despite their unconventional appearance, have a flawless taste. Since 2021, fruit and vegetable bags have also been on sale in around 260 BILLA and BILLA PLUS stores. These contain fruit and vegetables from packaging units in which, for example, a single piece is damaged or has minor blemishes but is perfectly edible and are sold at a reduced fixed price of 3 euros per 3-kilo bag. All edible food that is no longer saleable is given to social and charitable cooperation partners such as the Red Cross, Team Österreich Tafel, Tischlein Deck Dich, SOMA and Vinzi markets, Caritas and various regional social organisations throughout the year. In 2021, BILLA and BILLA PLUS alone donated food worth around 27 million euros in Austria.
In addition, the BILLA family conducts training sessions for employees on the individual measures and sensitises the teams in the stores to the individual processing of food into convenience and to-go products, among other things. Campaigns are also conducted to raise awareness among customers about food waste. Together with its customers, BILLA gives food a second chance with all these measures.
