TOKYOApril 24 (News On Japan) – In an effort to tackle the major problem of food waste, which amounts to approximately 5 million tons annually across Japan, supermarket chains are stepping up their discount strategies.
Seven-Eleven Japan has announced that starting May 13, it will expand its efforts to reduce food waste by marking items nearing the end of their expiration dates. The initiative includes around 300 items such as sandwiches, bento boxes and rice balls, easily identified by a green “Eco Discount” sticker.
The decision to implement these discounts comes as part of a wider support strategy from the company’s headquarters, which also includes sending recommended discount opportunities to stores. This initiative has already led to a 10% reduction in the total number of items discarded in trials. Hiroyuki Yajima, vice president of operations at Seven-Eleven Japan, said: “We want to work with our customers to reduce food waste and contribute to the environment. When customers purchase these items, we want to welcome them with a thank you for their cooperation .” Meanwhile, Lawson also aims to offer discounts regardless of expiration dates to efficiently clear inventory. Lawson’s PR representative, Ken Mochimaru, noted that recommending discount amounts and times based on each store’s situation can improve profitability and. can simultaneously reduce food waste.
In experiments, some stores have used AI to suggest discounts based on variables such as inventory levels, weather and peak customer times, with plans to expand the practice nationwide. Customers have expressed their appreciation for the discounts, noting that lower prices help reduce waste and make a positive contribution to the environment.
Source: TBS
