Tesco introduces ‘swap-shop’ to help suppliers cut costs and reduce waste
Tesco has launched a new online marketplace where suppliers with too much product are matched with other Tesco suppliers that need it.
Through Tesco Exchange, more than 3,500 Tesco suppliers can advertise surplus stock, post requests for things they need, and agree sales between each other. They can also set alerts for when their required items are posted.
One of the first listings was made by food manufacturer G’s Group, which supplies pickled beetroot to Tesco. The supermarket said the manufacturing process leaves the firm with tonnes of beetroot peelings that could be used by a livestock farm as cattle feed.
Sarah Bradbury, Tesco quality director, said: “Excess stock or waste for one supplier could be a valuable commodity to another. By linking different farmers, producers and manufacturers together, our suppliers can find new ways to trim their bills, reduce waste, and keep delivering great value for our customers.”
Dr Julian Parfitt, technical director at Anthesis, the sustainability activator and developer of Tesco Exchange, added: “Tesco Exchange is a great example of an initiative that the food industry needs to embrace and support in order to directly address commitments on food waste, the circular economy, and move towards more sustainable and resilient supply chains.”
Tesco is aiming to halve food waste in its operations by 2025 and reach net zero across its entire value chain by 2050.
