The supermarket giant is set to give away food for free at a certain number Express shops around the country, amid its pledges to meet certain non-wastage and net zero goals
Tesco has announced its set to give away food for free amid the retailer’s pledges to hit net zero goals.
The initiative features yellow stickers and is being tested out in a number of Express stores for customers who visit after 9.30pm. At present Tesco gives unsold food to charities and will continue this, while staff also get priority on items that have been reduced. Tesco said it has set its store out to be “carbon neutral” by 2035 and net zero by 2050.
A statement from Tesco said: “We’ve done this by using energy and refrigeration more efficiently, and by adopting 100% renewable electricity across the Group. We are constantly looking for innovative new ways to reduce food waste.
“This trial, in a small number of our Express stores, 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.”
An internal memo according to The Telegraph reports the move will allow the supermarket to “continue with our drive to reduce food waste within our own operations”.
Earlier this month Tesco was forced to utter an apology as it’s halted sales of a fridge staple. The supermarket giant axed the hefty six-pint bottles of milk from shelves nationwide, ruffling feathers among customers wondering where their beloved big bottle’s gone.
One person wrote on Twitter: “Can I ask @Tesco why you don’t sell the six pints of milk anymore? Certainly not home delivery.”
In response, Tesco’s social media team said: “Good afternoon, thanks for getting in touch. Tesco British Whole Milk 3.408L, 6 Pints has been discontinued. I’m sorry for any disappointment.”
Tesco waved goodbye to the larger milk size back in 2023, citing concerns over wastage about the large containers not being finished.
As explained by a Tesco rep: “We phased out six-pint bottles of milk back in 2023 to reduce wastage, as there were higher levels of waste on that product size.”
Angry tweets at the time read: “@Tesco have you stopped selling six pint bottles of semi skimmed milk? Coming up as unavailable on app and none on shelf in store this morning” highlighting the bewilderment.
One person suggested hat perhaps Tesco had axed the item to “milk more money from customers with smaller cartons”. In response, a frustrated buyer announced a switch of allegiance: “I’ll be heading to Aldi from now on.”
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