In an effort to reduce food waste, the American grocery store chain Kroger is debuting a new ugly produce program called 'Pickuliar Picks.' Just as the punny name suggests, the program will encourage consumers to pick up some fruits and veggies that might have peculiar physical flaws.
According to Kroger's Senior Innovation Manager Nicole Davis, "Six billion pounds of produce goes unused every year." As a result, the chain is introducing a new brand of produce called Pickuliar Picks that will encourage customers to pick up some of the wonky looking fruits and veggies that might otherwise go to waste. The new brand is part of the company's 'Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Plan,' which aims to change the conversation around imperfect produce and ultimately reduce food waste.
Set to debut in 2019, Pickuliar Picks demonstrates how big brands are starting to tackle the issue of food waste at the retail level.
Ugly Produce Programs
Kroger's 'Pickuliar Picks' Brand Encourages Consumers to Buy Wonky Veggies
Trend Themes
1. Ugly Produce Programs - Grocery chains are implementing ugly produce programs to reduce food waste.
2. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Plan - Companies are implementing plans to reduce food waste through innovative strategies.
3. Changing Perception of Imperfect Produce - Businesses are working to change the conversation around imperfect produce and promote its value.
Industry Implications
1. Grocery Retail - Ugly produce programs create opportunities for grocery retailers to differentiate themselves and reduce food waste.
2. Food Distribution - Innovative strategies for reducing food waste provide opportunities for disruption in the food distribution industry.
3. Sustainability - The focus on reducing food waste offers opportunities for sustainable solutions and practices in the food industry.