WRAP Retail Survey 2019: helping consumers reduce food waste through better labelling and produce changes
5 November 2019
In 2019, Resource Futures led the primary data gathering fieldwork for WRAP’s Retail Survey.
Our project team designed data gathering and collation protocols. We liaised with the major UK supermarket companies to arrange a programme of surveys across almost 60 supermarkets and convenience stores across Great Britain, completed during an eight-week period.
A range of own-brand and branded food products were surveyed to identify and record data which influence the amount of avoidable food waste in the home – such as portion size, remaining shelf life and availability of resealable packaging.
For consistent, reliable and secure data gathering we designed a bespoke interactive survey form which was used on tablet computers by our team of surveyors. It also allowed review of data at Resource Futures’ head office, meaning we could quality check the data and then send it to our client, even whilst the survey team were still in the field.
The outputs from this Retail Survey were used to inform WRAP’s work with retailers and manufacturers through the Courtauld 2025 Commitment. In particular, the results make it easier for individual retailers and manufacturers to see the progress they’re making and where further action is still needed. And, for the first time, the work enabled each retailer to receive a detailed assessment of its own performance, including where improvements are required.
WRAP’s report revealed that progress has been made by individual retailers, but more needs to be done in implementing best practice for packs and labelling to help cut household food waste. Changes towards best practice could help reduce the UK’s annual food waste bill, including binned fruit and vegetables worth nearly £4 billion.
Read the report: WRAP Retail Survey 2019: helping consumers reduce food waste through better labelling and produce changes
Our fieldwork supported the work carried out by Anthesis on this project. The work carried out by Resource Futures was managed by Stuart Woodham.