Caterers urged to use more ‘wonky' veg

Caterers are being urged to play an active role in reducing food waste by using more ‘wonky' vegetables.

The call comes from the Regency Purchasing Group, which supplies goods and services to hospitality businesses across the UK, in response to a new government report which says ‘wonky' fruit and vegetables should be considered normal.

In the Food Waste Report, published last month by the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, MPs urge supermarkets to relax standards which require produce to be ‘perfectly' shaped.

The latest government report estimates up to one third of produce grown by farmers currently ends up as food waste because it is not the right shape or size.

Managing director of Regency Purchasing Group Alex Demetriou said: "At a time when many businesses within the hospitality industry are struggling to balance their books, pubs and restaurants can make significant savings of up to 12% just by buying the less attractive-looking produce.

"At a time when food prices generally are rising, reducing unnecessary waste is good news for growers and suppliers, better business for the hospitality trade and could mean better value for the consumers, too."

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