Booths Expands Loose Produce Offer Across All 25 Stores
Booths is rolling out a loose fruit and vegetable merchandising strategy across its 25-store estate after a pilot programme demonstrated strong customer interest in market-style produce displays.
The UK’s oldest family grocer said the expansion will give shoppers greater control over the quantity of fresh produce they buy, while supporting efforts to reduce household food waste and unnecessary packaging, reports Lancs Live.
The pilot was carried out at Booths stores in Ilkley, Carnforth, and Kendal in the north of England, where loose produce was displayed in a market-style format.
Customers were able to select individual pieces or quantities according to their requirements, rather than being restricted to fixed pack sizes.
The independent retailer said the approach could be particularly relevant for products such as carrots, apples, and other fruits and vegetables where consumers may not require a full pre-packed quantity.
Nic Karran, Chief Commercial Officer at Booths, said customers should be able to buy what they need.
“If you need just one carrot, you can buy one carrot,” Karran stated.
“Small, everyday changes can make a real difference. We have all reached for a pre-packed bag of produce when we are in a hurry, but it takes very little extra time – and can be a genuine pleasure – to select exactly what you want.
“Buying loose gives customers more choice and control. It can help to prevent perfectly good food from being left unused at home, while also reducing unnecessary packaging,” Karran added.
The move highlights the continuing role of loose formats in giving retailers greater flexibility over how produce is merchandised and sold, while allowing consumers to determine their own purchase quantities.
It also reflects ongoing pressure on the industry to tackle food waste and packaging.
WRAP has estimated that UK households account for around 70 per cent of food waste generated after the farm gate, with fruit and vegetables among the major categories contributing to household waste.
Booths said its expanded loose offer is intended to help shoppers avoid purchasing more fresh produce than they are likely to use.
“We developed the pilot with WRAP’s research and targets in mind, and the response from customers in Ilkley, Carnforth and Kendal was extremely encouraging,” Karran noted.
"We’re now delighted to build on that success and roll out the approach across all 25 Booths stores.”
At the same time, reducing the number of pre-packed lines can cut the associated use of single-use plastic packaging.
Instead, customers will be able to use paper bags provided in stores, purchase reusable mesh produce bags or bring suitable bags from home.
Consistent Retail Model
The loose produce merchandising expansion is consistent with Booths’ longstanding emphasis on market-style food retailing.
The family-owned supermarket has been developing this approach for more than a decade, with the objective of giving shoppers greater flexibility over how they select and purchase food.
Previously, the retailer has also allowed customers to take their own reusable containers to deli counters, thereby providing another route to reducing packaging.
Booths said its latest roll-out forms part of its wider commitment to combining its food and drink offer with practical measures intended to help customers and communities reduce waste.
Earlier this year, the company, which was founded in 1847, introduced a new look and new identity line, ‘The Family Grocers’ as it explores opportunities to expand the distribution of its own-brand ranges.
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