Get ready to be left in shock, folks! Melbourne duo Josh Ball and Josh Brooks-Duncan are on a mission to raise awareness about food waste in Australia, and they uncovered some startling statistics about fresh produce that never makes it to our supermarket shelves.

According to their findings, up to 50 per cent of 'perfectly imperfect' produce stays on the farm. The reason? Simply because they're deemed 'too ugly' or don't meet aesthetic standards set by leading retailers like Coles and Woolworths. Now that's just scandalous!

Josh Ball, the co-founder of Farmers Picks, discovered 1,500 cauliflowers that a supermarket had rejected. Source: Farmers Picks/Instagram

So, why is this happening? Farmers Pick co-founder Josh Ball explains that many crops are rejected due to their appearance, whether it's their size or the presence of blemishes.

He said, 'The standards are primarily set on aesthetics.'

Now you may wonder, do these ‘imperfections’ affect the taste or nutritional value of these fruits and vegetables? Absolutely not!

The environmentally conscious entrepreneurs launched Farmers Pick to combat this food waste epidemic. This website buys unwanted produce directly from the farmers and resells it to customers for 30 per cent less than supermarket prices.

They're essentially saving our fruits and vegetables from an undeserved, unappetising fate while keeping more money in our pockets.

Strict Specifications​

Fresh and perfectly good fruits and vegetables are being rejected and wasted because they don't meet aesthetic standards set by major retailers. Image by nicotitto from Unsplash

Interestingly, one of the most significant issues these blokes encounter is the absurdly strict specifications for citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.

Ball explains, 'If over 5 per cent or 6 per cent of the fruit is covered in a blemish or a mark, it can't be sold.' However, he points out that such flaws are absolutely irrelevant when it comes to the fruit's taste or nutritional value.

Ball further highlights that even during times of produce shortages attributed to harsh weather conditions like flooding, the larger supermarket chains didn't change their guidelines.

Coles and Woolworths take steps to tackle food waste​

Responding to this claim, a Woolworths spokesperson stated: 'Our produce requirements are adaptable and respond to the quantity and availability of fruit and vegetables in the market, which is affected by seasonality, supply and weather.'

Woolworths does have an 'Odd Bunch' range that offers marked or differently-shaped produce at reduced prices, allowing customers to save at least 20 per cent compared to the cost of their mainstream fruit and vegetable selection.

Similarly, Coles provides an 'I'm Perfect' range of 10 different fruits and vegetables with slight appearance flaws, while Harris Farm has had its ‘Imperfect Picks’ range available since 2014.

Key Takeaways

• Two Melbourne men aim to stop food waste in Australia by addressing the 'insane' amount of fresh produce rejected by major supermarkets due to appearance or size.
• Up to 50 per cent of 'perfectly imperfect' produce is never sold by major supermarkets like Coles and Woolworths, leading to wasted resources and landfill.
• The men have founded Farmers Pick, a company that buys unwanted produce directly from farmers and sells it to consumers at discounted prices, highlighting the issue of food waste.
• Despite attempts by supermarkets to adapt through initiatives like 'Odd Bunch' and 'I'm Perfect,' the issue of cosmetic standards affecting produce wastage still persists.

Josh Ball, co-founder of Farmers Picks, rescued 2,000 celeriacs that were being discarded for being deemed 'too small'. Source: Farmers Picks/Instagram

Farmers Pick aims to encourage consumers to reconsider their purchasing habits and give these unfairly judged fruits and vegetables a chance.

Mr Ball says, 'Once people understand that it doesn't taste any different and you can save a few bucks along the way, then it's definitely a step in the right direction to address food waste.'

We encourage you to support businesses like Farmers Pick or choose the discounted produce options at your local supermarkets. Not only will you be helping to fight against food waste and benefit the environment, but you'll also be saving some money.

Members, are you surprised by the significant amount of fresh produce that gets rejected by supermarkets due to its appearance? How do you feel about this issue of food waste and the efforts being made by businesses like Farmers Pick to address it?

Share your thoughts and ideas on how we can reduce food waste and support more sustainable practices in the food industry.

 

[joshram]

I've purchased the Im Perfect range from Coles, problem is they do run out.

I don't think it's coles or woolworths that are the problem it's the customers.
Alot if customers want perfect produce even though there is no difference in taste.

I would definitely buy imperfect produce .

I have bought from the I'm perfect range many times but the fruit seems to go off very quickly, sometimes its already off in the bag, though it can't be seen through the bag before purchase. I've gone back to picking my own.

 

[Subduedshilo]

It’s disgusting how the big supermarket chains treat our hard working farmers and then blame us for not wanting the no so perfect fruit and veggies. We cannot buy what is not available. I would pick taste over looks any day. Who wants food that is tasteless. I don’t buy any ‘fresh’ produce from a supermarket but I often see them trying to flog off overripe mangos at exorbitant prices. Go figure!!!
I have to chuckle that Coles is offering extra Flybuy Points if you buy over $20 on fruit and veg. I’ll pass on that one and that won’t entice me in unless they bring back the flavour

 

[Ricki]

Get ready to be left in shock, folks! Melbourne duo Josh Ball and Josh Brooks-Duncan are on a mission to raise awareness about food waste in Australia, and they uncovered some startling statistics about fresh produce that never makes it to our supermarket shelves.

According to their findings, up to 50 per cent of 'perfectly imperfect' produce stays on the farm. The reason? Simply because they're deemed 'too ugly' or don't meet aesthetic standards set by leading retailers like Coles and Woolworths. Now that's just scandalous!

View attachment 23062

Josh Ball, the co-founder of Farmers Picks, discovered 1,500 cauliflowers that a supermarket had rejected. Source: Farmers Picks/Instagram

So, why is this happening? Farmers Pick co-founder Josh Ball explains that many crops are rejected due to their appearance, whether it's their size or the presence of blemishes.

He said, 'The standards are primarily set on aesthetics.'

Now you may wonder, do these ‘imperfections’ affect the taste or nutritional value of these fruits and vegetables? Absolutely not!

The environmentally conscious entrepreneurs launched Farmers Pick to combat this food waste epidemic. This website buys unwanted produce directly from the farmers and resells it to customers for 30 per cent less than supermarket prices.

They're essentially saving our fruits and vegetables from an undeserved, unappetising fate while keeping more money in our pockets.

Strict Specifications​

View attachment 23063

Fresh and perfectly good fruits and vegetables are being rejected and wasted because they don't meet aesthetic standards set by major retailers. Image by nicotitto from Unsplash

Interestingly, one of the most significant issues these blokes encounter is the absurdly strict specifications for citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.

Ball explains, 'If over 5 per cent or 6 per cent of the fruit is covered in a blemish or a mark, it can't be sold.' However, he points out that such flaws are absolutely irrelevant when it comes to the fruit's taste or nutritional value.

Ball further highlights that even during times of produce shortages attributed to harsh weather conditions like flooding, the larger supermarket chains didn't change their guidelines.

Coles and Woolworths take steps to tackle food waste​

Responding to this claim, a Woolworths spokesperson stated: 'Our produce requirements are adaptable and respond to the quantity and availability of fruit and vegetables in the market, which is affected by seasonality, supply and weather.'

Woolworths does have an 'Odd Bunch' range that offers marked or differently-shaped produce at reduced prices, allowing customers to save at least 20 per cent compared to the cost of their mainstream fruit and vegetable selection.

Similarly, Coles provides an 'I'm Perfect' range of 10 different fruits and vegetables with slight appearance flaws, while Harris Farm has had its ‘Imperfect Picks’ range available since 2014.

Key Takeaways

• Two Melbourne men aim to stop food waste in Australia by addressing the 'insane' amount of fresh produce rejected by major supermarkets due to appearance or size.
• Up to 50 per cent of 'perfectly imperfect' produce is never sold by major supermarkets like Coles and Woolworths, leading to wasted resources and landfill.
• The men have founded Farmers Pick, a company that buys unwanted produce directly from farmers and sells it to consumers at discounted prices, highlighting the issue of food waste.
• Despite attempts by supermarkets to adapt through initiatives like 'Odd Bunch' and 'I'm Perfect,' the issue of cosmetic standards affecting produce wastage still persists.

View attachment 23064

Josh Ball, co-founder of Farmers Picks, rescued 2,000 celeriacs that were being discarded for being deemed 'too small'. Source: Farmers Picks/Instagram

Farmers Pick aims to encourage consumers to reconsider their purchasing habits and give these unfairly judged fruits and vegetables a chance.

Mr Ball says, 'Once people understand that it doesn't taste any different and you can save a few bucks along the way, then it's definitely a step in the right direction to address food waste.'

We encourage you to support businesses like Farmers Pick or choose the discounted produce options at your local supermarkets. Not only will you be helping to fight against food waste and benefit the environment, but you'll also be saving some money.

Members, are you surprised by the significant amount of fresh produce that gets rejected by supermarkets due to its appearance? How do you feel about this issue of food waste and the efforts being made by businesses like Farmers Pick to address it?

Share your thoughts and ideas on how we can reduce food waste and support more sustainable practices in the food industry.

I've always purchased Odd Bunch fruit and vegetables and I'm sure I'm not the only one but how do we get the Duopoly to purchase all blemished, odd shaped products from the farm? I doubt there are a lot of people so fussy they wouldn't purchase what we used to call seconds if the prices were less.

 

[Mr Chips]

I bought a bag of imperfect mandarins last week for $2 at the supermarket. They were yum.

Me too and yes, they were sweet and very tasty.

 

[Shane/#]

Get ready to be left in shock, folks! Melbourne duo Josh Ball and Josh Brooks-Duncan are on a mission to raise awareness about food waste in Australia, and they uncovered some startling statistics about fresh produce that never makes it to our supermarket shelves.

According to their findings, up to 50 per cent of 'perfectly imperfect' produce stays on the farm. The reason? Simply because they're deemed 'too ugly' or don't meet aesthetic standards set by leading retailers like Coles and Woolworths. Now that's just scandalous!

View attachment 23062

Josh Ball, the co-founder of Farmers Picks, discovered 1,500 cauliflowers that a supermarket had rejected. Source: Farmers Picks/Instagram

So, why is this happening? Farmers Pick co-founder Josh Ball explains that many crops are rejected due to their appearance, whether it's their size or the presence of blemishes.

He said, 'The standards are primarily set on aesthetics.'

Now you may wonder, do these ‘imperfections’ affect the taste or nutritional value of these fruits and vegetables? Absolutely not!

The environmentally conscious entrepreneurs launched Farmers Pick to combat this food waste epidemic. This website buys unwanted produce directly from the farmers and resells it to customers for 30 per cent less than supermarket prices.

They're essentially saving our fruits and vegetables from an undeserved, unappetising fate while keeping more money in our pockets.

Strict Specifications​

View attachment 23063

Fresh and perfectly good fruits and vegetables are being rejected and wasted because they don't meet aesthetic standards set by major retailers. Image by nicotitto from Unsplash

Interestingly, one of the most significant issues these blokes encounter is the absurdly strict specifications for citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.

Ball explains, 'If over 5 per cent or 6 per cent of the fruit is covered in a blemish or a mark, it can't be sold.' However, he points out that such flaws are absolutely irrelevant when it comes to the fruit's taste or nutritional value.

Ball further highlights that even during times of produce shortages attributed to harsh weather conditions like flooding, the larger supermarket chains didn't change their guidelines.

Coles and Woolworths take steps to tackle food waste​

Responding to this claim, a Woolworths spokesperson stated: 'Our produce requirements are adaptable and respond to the quantity and availability of fruit and vegetables in the market, which is affected by seasonality, supply and weather.'

Woolworths does have an 'Odd Bunch' range that offers marked or differently-shaped produce at reduced prices, allowing customers to save at least 20 per cent compared to the cost of their mainstream fruit and vegetable selection.

Similarly, Coles provides an 'I'm Perfect' range of 10 different fruits and vegetables with slight appearance flaws, while Harris Farm has had its ‘Imperfect Picks’ range available since 2014.

Key Takeaways

• Two Melbourne men aim to stop food waste in Australia by addressing the 'insane' amount of fresh produce rejected by major supermarkets due to appearance or size.
• Up to 50 per cent of 'perfectly imperfect' produce is never sold by major supermarkets like Coles and Woolworths, leading to wasted resources and landfill.
• The men have founded Farmers Pick, a company that buys unwanted produce directly from farmers and sells it to consumers at discounted prices, highlighting the issue of food waste.
• Despite attempts by supermarkets to adapt through initiatives like 'Odd Bunch' and 'I'm Perfect,' the issue of cosmetic standards affecting produce wastage still persists.

View attachment 23064

Josh Ball, co-founder of Farmers Picks, rescued 2,000 celeriacs that were being discarded for being deemed 'too small'. Source: Farmers Picks/Instagram

Farmers Pick aims to encourage consumers to reconsider their purchasing habits and give these unfairly judged fruits and vegetables a chance.

Mr Ball says, 'Once people understand that it doesn't taste any different and you can save a few bucks along the way, then it's definitely a step in the right direction to address food waste.'

We encourage you to support businesses like Farmers Pick or choose the discounted produce options at your local supermarkets. Not only will you be helping to fight against food waste and benefit the environment, but you'll also be saving some money.

Members, are you surprised by the significant amount of fresh produce that gets rejected by supermarkets due to its appearance? How do you feel about this issue of food waste and the efforts being made by businesses like Farmers Pick to address it?

Share your thoughts and ideas on how we can reduce food waste and support more sustainable practices in the food industry.

People need to grow their own veg to realise that it grows differently from plant to plant some grow larger some smaller other twisted a warped even humans are perfect so why expect perfect fruit and vegetables it's like milk it comes from a cow and not a carton or bottle hmmmm food for thought

 

[KSS]

Maybe it’s time for as many of us to start ‘lobbying’ these big conglomerates to put these ‘imperfect’ looking fruit and vegetables on their shelves for sale at a much lower price, especially since there are the really needy people stressing about how they will put food on the table for their children.

Obviously they want to only sell the so-called perfect produce at a higher price so they can make more profit. A strong letter to their head office from each of us, and I’m sure there are enough of us, might send them a message. BUT for those that can truly afford the higher price, please don’t abuse the system and grab as much as you can, leave it for those who are really needy. No doubt in the general population there will still be the greedy ones.

Can't put all the blame on the supermarkets here. Customers just won't buy the blemished, misshapen produce so it gets left and goes bad anyway. Yes I know there are the Ugly range and the ImPerfect range but these are both limited (not to mention packed in large packs unsuitable for about half the shoppers). There needs to be better education of the customer and perhaps another outlet for the farmers' produce somewhere other than the farm gate and the limited farmers' markets.

 

[Ezzy]

My Cardiologist recently gave me a list of foods l should be eating. Included on this list is 3 pieces of fruit per day. I think he is pushing a bit at today's prices when l am on a Pension. We could sure use some of that cheaper fruit in W.A.

 

[Georgie27]

I have some wonderful neighbours who work on Veg lots and some foods are misshapen and I have the pleasure of receiving these in big buckets for free. I give it to family, friends and other neighbours, if I still have some left, I take it to the local Salvos shop and they put it out on the counter and people can take some for free. I have never refused to take the kind jester even though I myself do not eat it, there are people who do and can put food on the table. These neighbours have thought about me so I pay it forward.