These are fruits and vegetables that no longer have their original packaging, from which a single piece has been damaged or which, despite minor visual defects, are completely in order and perfectly edible. Apples, bananas, peppers, potatoes and the like are given a second chance and - depending on availability - are offered at a reduced fixed price of 3 euros per 3-kg bag.
"The responsible use of food is naturally a central issue for us as a food retailer. We are constantly working on minimising food waste and creating even more sustainable options in our daily shopping," explains Harald Mießner, BILLA CEO. "In recent months, we have tested the fruit and vegetable sacks in individual stores in Styria and Burgenland and received a lot of positive feedback from our customers. Therefore, we are now taking the next step and expanding the offer to other locations throughout Austria."
Avoiding food waste at BILLA
The fruit and vegetable bags are only one of many measures that BILLA implements against food waste. All BILLA and BILLA PLUS stores have cooperations with charitable organisations for the distribution of food that is no longer sold but can be consumed without hesitation. In 2021 alone, goods worth approximately 27 million euros were donated to social institutions such as the "Team Österreich Tafel" of the Red Cross, SOMA markets, Vinzi markets, Caritas, "Tischlein Deck Dich" and various regional social organisations.
Food with an imminent expiry date is sold at reduced prices (-25% to -50%) to customers and - in the spirit of raising awareness - provided with "Food is precious" stickers. In selected BILLA and BILLA PLUS stores, ToGoodToGo surprise bags with products shortly before the expiry date can be purchased at reduced prices. In addition, fruit and vegetables are offered under the own brand "Wunderlinge", which are of impeccable quality and taste despite their unconventional appearance.
