Imperfect produce gains popularity as prices rise

Loblaws officials have decided to sell produce usually deemed undesirable.

 

Imperfect produce might be the new money saving trend according to Loblaw officials. Loblaw’s has announced plans to implement selling imperfect produce in all their stores. This means the produce is either not standard size or is oddly shaped. This is to help customers save on fresh, quality produce.

 

The University of Guelph’s Food Institute is forecasting food inflation rates across the country to be anywhere between two per cent to four per cent. With produce prices rising sharply, imperfect produce for cheaper is an alternative for families looking to save money. This idea has sparked interest in Canadian companies.

 

Many stores have already been selling imperfect produce such as The Real Canadian Superstore on Dougall Avenue. The store has been selling imperfect produce for almost a year. The store currently sells imperfect apples, carrots and mushrooms, according to manager Frank Culmone.

 

“People are very price conscious these days,” said Culmone. “It’s all high quality product, it’s just different sizes and different shapes. I eat it myself all the time.”

 

Not all customers like the imperfect produce. For some people, like Enza Aiuto, saving money isn’t the concern when shopping.

 

“I’m not really interested in imperfect produce,” said Aiuto. “I like my food to look nice. I like it perfect.”

 

Other customers love the idea too.

 

“I usually go to farmer’s markets for my produce,” said Gina Muzslai, “so I already buy imperfect produce. It’s great that they are putting it in grocery stores. It makes it easier for people to afford healthy food.”

 

Muzslai has lived among farmers where all produce was imperfect.

 

“I’m imperfect, but you’re not going to throw me out are you? The imperfect produce is just as good as the more expensive stuff,” she said.

 

Imperfect produce is ripe for the taking. All customers need to do now is take a bite.