Nature, our greatest artist.
For a long time, however, fruits and vegetables outside the norm were not allowed into the store.
How regression, in times when it used to be taken for granted, can mean welcome progress:
Fruit and vegetables that do not look perfect or do not meet certain size or shape requirements are rarely found on retailers’ shelves. Up to now, producers were not expected to buy such products.
In the future, the wholesaler Coop will be giving more vegetables that are not visually perfect and other fruit that does not conform to standards a permanent place on its shelves.
Coop launches the “Ünique” product line . The name was chosen because the fruit and vegetables on offer are “simply unique”.
Coop is “increasingly noticing that consumers have more understanding for the whims of nature and are willing to buy exceptional natural products”.
From mid-August, three-legged carrots, crooked cucumbers and oversized cauliflowers or spoiled fruit will be given a chance.
According to the Coop, the aim is to help reduce overproduction in agriculture and promote the utilization of the entire harvest. Coop spokesman Gander attributes the fact that this has not been the case to date more to the demanding wishes of customers than to the need for standardized production chains from wholesalers.
No Ünique’s at Migros, but second-class vegetables:
Migros does not have such a special line. However, media spokeswoman Martina Bosshard points out that products that deviate from the norm are also sold in certain product ranges: This year, for example, apricots damaged by hail were sold as class II apricots. Migros also offers two classes of apples and pears. In the event of major harvest problems, the company is prepared to further adjust the specifications in favor of the products.
Vegan kitchen Imput:
“After all, it is to the producers’ advantage if they can sell as much of their harvest as possible. And last but not least, the initiative for the campaign came from the farmers themselves! However, the Üniques will compete with the “Perfects”. Because overproduction remains overproduction. Nobody will consume more just because more is on offer. The aim must be to prevent overproduction (currently 50% global food waste).”
