Co-op has announced the launch of the Too Good To Waste scheme across stores, offering its members 50 per cent off its loose in-store bakery range after 6pm.

Too Good To Go is the world’s largest surplus food platform.

Co-op said the scheme recognises that many Co-op Members enjoy picking up freshly baked goods later in the day, whether it’s for an evening treat or to top up the bread bin at home.

“As a convenience retailer, we know that we’re there for those little shops at the end of the day, and our new Too Good To Waste initiative is a simple way to help our members save while also reducing food waste - so everyone can enjoy delicious bakery treats and do their bit for the planet,” said Charlotte Waring, Co-op buyer. “Whether it’s a croissant, cinnamon swirl, or a classic bread roll, there’s something for everyone to love at half price.”

The move comes after rival supermarket Aldi revealed in January that shoppers have saved over £17 million since it launched its partnership with Too Good To Go in February 2023.

Aldi sells surprise bags which contain a range of grocery products that are approaching their sell-by or use-by dates at a lower price, costing £3.30 for at least £10 worth of food.

Earlier this month, Central Co-op shared that it has prevented more than 8,000 tonnes of food waste over the past three years thanks to the rollout of an AI-driven tool.

The company, which has over 500 trading premises across 23 counties, partnered with Retail Insight in 2021 to implement technology that supports forecasting, expiration management, markdowns, and donation opportunities.

Since rolling out the tool three years ago, the company says it has saved nearly 21 million meals, diverted over 32 million units of food from landfill, and avoided the emission of over 23,700 tonnes of CO₂e.

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