In November 2024, SPAR Switzerland launched a pioneering partnership with the platform foodwaste.ch to actively combat food waste. The initiative, “Together against food waste!”, focuses primarily on the best-before date (BBD) of convenience products, rather than the use-by date.

Reducing food waste

With this cooperation, SPAR Switzerland offers customers products that are nearing their best-before date at a reduced price. This initiative could potentially contribute to a significant reduction of food waste. Shoppers can research information about the consumption of products which have reached the best-before date on the site foodwaste.ch.

For consumers, understanding that the best-before date only refers to the quality of the product and not food safety is an important distinction. A common misconception is that the best-before date has the same meaning as the use-by date. The latter indicates the date by which a product should be consumed, which is particularly important for fresh prepared products such as sandwiches. Products which have a best-before date may no longer be sold after this date and recycling is managed safely by SPAR Switzerland.

Knowledge helps

To provide customers with more certainty and guidance, SPAR Switzerland offers practical assistance. On the foodwaste.ch website, consumers can find out more details about how long they can still use certain products after the best-before date is reached. On the platform, customers can also find a helpful guide that shows how they can effectively avoid food waste.

A win-win for everyone

This initiative could potentially lead to less food and resources being wasted while shoppers also save money and help support reduction in waste. By reducing the cost of products with an approaching best-before date, SPAR Switzerland promotes responsible and waste-conscious shopping to its valued customers.

Source: SPAR Switzerland

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About SPAR Switzerland

SPAR Switzerland was founded in 1989. The business grew, combining corporate and independently owned stores, spanning forecourt retailing to large supermarkets. Since 2016, SPAR Switzerland has been a subsidiary of SPAR Group Ltd Southern Africa.