From 5 to 20 June, SPAR Austria's second-year trainees packed 11,247 Too Good To Go bags in participating SPAR stores. SPAR Austria has been working with Too Good To Go since 2021, and all employees have actively contributed to this partnership.

“Our systems are designed to ensure that we keep in stock exactly what is sold instore. But even with the most accurate planning and sales, some products remain unsold. Since 2021, these have been included in Too Good To Go’s surprise bags. The cooperation helps customers save money and have a great instore experience. At the same time, it supports sustainability. It is now also part of our apprentice training programme,” said SPAR Austria’s CEO Hans K. Reisch.

Apprentices give food waste no chance

The apprentices played a key role in daily operations by assembling Too Good To Go bags, offering customers attractive deals. In this way, awareness about food appreciation was raised among both apprentices and customers.

“Our apprentices have demonstrated great commitment and creativity, showing how easy and effective food rescue can be. With this initiative, we aim to integrate sustainability more deeply into everyday life and encourage our apprentices to use food consciously,” added Hans K. Reisch.

Promoting food sustainability

During the 2-week campaign, 11,247 Too Good To Go bags were sold. This initiative is part of SPAR Austria’s long-standing efforts to prevent food waste, including smart ordering systems, food donations, discounted offers, and innovative projects like the ‘fruit and vegetable box’ and the Too Good To Go partnership.

This shows that sustainability is not just taught but actively practiced. By participating in the campaign, SPAR Austria apprentices promote the conscious use of food and take early responsibility for the environment and society.

Teaching for a sustainable future

During their training, SPAR Austria apprentices work in all departments and learn how to avoid food waste through targeted measures. This includes using the automatic ordering system, proper goods care, and optimal handling of fresh products. Their practical training is supplemented by seminars, e-learning courses, and special additional school training at the SPAR Academy in Vienna and the SPAR Academy classes. This includes the ‘Green Champion’ training, which combines theory and practice to promote responsible behaviour.

In this way, apprentices gain an awareness of the value of food and actively apply this in their daily work at the supermarket.

Source: SPAR Austria

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About SPAR Austria

The origins of the SPAR brand in Austria date back to 1954. The current SPAR AG was created in 1970 when the original founding families joined other regional wholesalers to form SPAR Austria AG – a 100% privately owned Austrian company. Company-owned stores operate throughout the country in the multi-format retail strategy developed since the 1960’s whilst independent retailers operate under sub-license from SPAR Austria and continue building the brand’s presence.