Company Shop Group saves 98 million products from waste, through powerful partnerships

Company Shop Group has today announced a record year in the fight against unnecessary food waste as it reports handling more than 98 million surplus products last year alone, powered by the strength of its partnerships.

Company Shop’s latest Sustainability Report, launched today, reveals that the Group, which is the UK’s leading surplus redistributor, saved 34,590 tonnes of food and products from needlessly going to waste in 2021.

The Group continues to provide unparalleled surplus solutions to the industry through its ‘one-stop shop’ offer, critical in today’s climate as businesses look to maximise economic and social value. As such, the Group reports delivering a financial return of £32.9million to its partners across the year, taking the total figure paid back over the last decade to £165 million.

The Group’s estate enjoyed a further period of sustained growth, with the successful opening of four new Company Shop stores, two new Community Shop stores, and the establishment of a further three staff shops on partner manufacturing sites.

Easing the challenges brought by the cost-of-living squeeze, Company Shop Group has helped to stretch hundreds of thousands of family budgets by collectively saving its members over £80million on their shopping. To bolster its impact, over the last year the Group has extended its membership base to include charities and welcomed a further 250,000 new members through its doors.

The success of the Group’s award-winning social enterprise, Community Shop, is also celebrated within the report. The ever-growing social supermarket network received a 34% increase in donations from industry partners over the year, enabling it to provide the equivalent of over 2,950,000 meals for individuals and families most in need.

By working in collaboration with food businesses, charities, local authorities, grass-root organisations and housing associations, Community Shop supported over 20,500 households last year, with over 8,000 members engaging in life-changing Hub activities.

With its Sustainability Report focused on The Power Of Partnerships, the Group has paid tribute to its long-standing partners within the retail, manufacturing and hospitality industries. It also celebrates its new ties with the likes of Too Good To Go, the continued success of its pioneering Luminary Programme, and the ongoing support received from senior politicians, sectors leaders and anchor institutions.

Now part of the Biffa family, the Group is perfectly positioned to continue to deliver transformational social, economic and environmental impact.

“Today’s achievements would not have been possible without our talented colleagues and powerful partnerships. However, we’re not stopping here, and we know there is a lot more we can do by working together, so I would urge any organisation looking to unlock true value from their stock to partner with Company Shop Group, as we work to create a world where no surplus needlessly goes to waste.” Commenting on the Power of Partnerships report, Steph McGinty, Managing Director of Company Shop Group

“We would like to thank everyone who has played their part in building on Community Shop’s legacy over the last year, and I look forward to working with even more partners in the year ahead as we build these latest achievements.” Gary Stott, Chairman of Community Shop commented