// Marks & Spencer to launch new 25p banana bundle scheme to reduce food waste
// The retailer will bundle up extra ripe bananas to reduce the amount of unsold food
// The recipe cards are set to feature baking ideas such as banana bread
Marks & Spencer has announced it is rolling out a new 25p banana bundle scheme in stores across England in an effort to cut food waste.
The retailer said it is going to bundle up extra ripe bananas in a cardboard bag and sell them for a lower price to reduce the amount of unsold food.
Customers will be able to grab a ‘Go Bananas’ bag containing a minimum of three bananas and two recipe cards.
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The cards are set to feature baking ideas such as banana bread and vegan banana muffins.
“Bananas are among the most wasted produce at supermarkets as customers typically like to buy spotless yellow bananas to ripen at home,” M&S fruit buyer Pippa Masters said.
“We’re excited to be extending our Go Bananas bags to more M&S stores, and further reduce food waste by offering bananas that are absolutely perfect for baking – and at great value.
“Our Go Bananas bags are helping us to become more relevant, more often for customers who are looking to enjoy baking tasty and convenient food at home.”
M&S said the ‘Go Bananas’ scheme is now being introduced to stores nationwide after a “hugely successful” trial that took place at 10 branches.
A total of 6800 banana bags were bought during the trial period, which amounted to a total of 18,000 saved units of loose bananas that would have otherwise likely gone to waste.
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