A leading online grocer that specialises in surplus stock and food that is past its best before date has reported unprecedented supplier growth over the past six months – more than doubling its supply chain. Approved Food, which recently welcomed the UK’s biggest supermarket to the list of suppliers it works with, takes stock from food manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors to deliver cut-price products – and savings of up to 70% – to households across the country.
Commenting on the recent success Approved Food founder Dan Cluderay said the boost was the result of ‘increased awareness and better education’ amongst business owners and consumers alike.
The news follows the company’s second appearance on ITV’s Bargain Fever Britain which aired last night; showing the team tackling the difficulties surrounding Black Friday, as well managing the bargain businesses move to its new 60,000 sq ft warehouse in Sheffield in late 2014.
The site move marked the start of a period of rapid change for Approved Food, after the business received in excess of £400,000 investment, was showcased on BBC2’s Dragon’s Den and recognised as a finalist in Richard Branson’s Virgin Media Business Pitch to Rich Competition thanks to its Anti-food waste approach to business.
Dan Cluderay, who founded the business in 2008, said: “The number of suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, brand owners and retailers getting in touch with us to sell their “problem” stock over the past six months – whether it is pasta packets, sweets, cleaning products, household essentials or tinned food – has been amazing.
“For starters, people are increasingly aware of us and of course that helps with increasing both our customer and our supplier base. But, more than that, our efforts to educate people about the difference between best before dates and use by dates is starting to pay dividends.
“People are starting to get what we are trying to achieve, and so we’re making a difference at every stage of the process. The companies that supply the goods get paid for what would otherwise have actually cost them money, our customers get value for money, the amount of stock that goes to waste is dramatically reduced and so, therefore, is the impact on the environment. What’s not to love?
“We are particularly pleased to be in a position where we are now supporting major supermarkets including the largest out there. By working together we really believe we can make such a huge difference to the environment, and people’s pockets!”
According to WRAP’s Love Food Hate Waste, the UK throws away 7 million tonnes of food and drink from homes every year and in the European Union 22 million tonnes of food is wasted, most of which is avoidable.
Since its establishment in 2008 Approved Food has saved millions of items from landfill because of the way their stock is sourced.
Dan added: “The increase in interest in selling problem stock to Approved Food is not only brilliant for the business but also great news for the environment and the battle the UK has with saving food waste.
“I’m proud to be part of the business, not just because we’re giving shopper’s significant savings but also because we’re working towards the wider goal of a greener way of shopping.”
Dan Cluderay and his team can be seen on ITV Player https://www.itv.com/itvplayer/bargain-fever-britain/series-1/episode-2
