Wal-Mart has become one of the largest links in the food supply chain to take a massive step towards curbing food waste; the grocer is now purposefully selling blemished apples. America’s largest grocer is currently piloting sales of weather-dented apples at a discount in 300 Florida stores. “We’re excited to announce that after months of discussion, a brand of apples from Washington state, called “I’m Perfect,” will make its debut in Walmart stores this week,” said Shawn Baldwin, senior vice president for global food sourcing, produce and floral for Wal-Mart U.S.
Farmers and up against a constant battle with nature and the produce often shows it. Cosmetic issues have traditionally kept sun-spotted, crooked, and pocked product and fruit from store shelves, despite being perfectly delicious and nutritious. These rejects usually end up in landfills wasting away and contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. “we’ve typically found that growers reported [cosmetic-related] losses ranging up to 20 percent of production in a given year, but it could be higher in years of bad weather,” said JoAnne Berkenkamp, a senior advocate for food and agriculture at the Natural Resources Defense Council.
Fortunately, more retailers are taking steps to correct the problem. Whole Foods Markets is operating a similar program in Northern California, and Giant Eagle is piloting something similar in the Pittsburgh area.
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After their third straight quarter of declining sales, things continue to look bleak for the once-great Chipotle. The company posted sales this quarter down 24% from the previous year, and quarterly profits of $26 million (compared to $140 million immediately before the E. Coli outbreaks late last year).
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