Aldi brings in major change to fruit and vegetable aisle for shoppers

Aldi has removed the packaging from 12 fruits and vegetables in a bid to reduce waste. Aldi has announced its plans to trail 12 new loose fruit and vegetable items to reduce unnecessary packaging and if the trial is successful, the supermarket chain will remove an estimated 445 tonnes of packaging per year.

The national sustainability director for Aldi, Luke Emery said: "We are constantly looking for new ways to reduce unnecessary packaging and this trial is another example of the significant steps we’re taking in this area." Director of behaviour change and business programmes at the waste & resources action programme (WRAP), Catherine David said: "A household of four throws away on average £1,000 of food each year, costing the planet’s precious resources, and people’s pockets.

"By selling more items loose, people will be able to buy only what they need, save money and cut the use of single-use packaging - a real win-win-win!" WRAP aims to push companies to have 50 per cent of uncut fruits and vegetables sold loose by the end of 2030.

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The following items are now available to buy loose:

• Parsnips

• Carrots

• Broccoli

• Brown onions

• Red onions

• Ginger

• Pears

• Salad tomatoes

• Limes

• Lemons

• Oranges

• Garlic

It comes as Aldi has revealed a list of the most in-demand items at foodbanks this Christmas to help guide shoppers. The items have been selected by foodbanks, charities and community groups across the UK and include store cupboard essentials, festive treats, toiletries and pet food.

The donation drive comes as new research by Aldi’s community giving partner Neighbourly shows that foodbanks are preparing for a tough Christmas, with 80% reporting an increase in demand, particularly from families with children and the elderly.

Emery, National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK, said: “Christmas is always an extremely busy period for foodbanks and other charitable organisations helping those most in need. We know many of our customers like to support local causes by using our in-store donation points, so we hope this list of items will help shoppers to pick the items that are most needed over the festive period.”