Ugly produce is making it’s way into some grocery stores in Lunenburg County.
Loblaw is introducing what they call “Naturally Imperfect” fruits and vegetables that cost up to 30% less.
But, some produce growers have concerns.
Josh Oultan is the President of Horticulture Nova Scotia and a farmer himself.
He says if everyone buys the discounted fruit, instead of full price “perfect” product, it will effect their bottom line.
“You’re going to lose customers,” he says. “You’re going to take customers who were buying the “Grade A” and they’ll be buying the ugly stuff for less price. If you can spend less and still get a decently good carrot, why wouldn’t you? So, then you degrade the “Grade A” system.”
That aside, he says food waste on farms is a huge problem that needs to be dealt with and he’s glad to see innovative solutions.
Meanwhile, Dennis MacPherson from Scotian Gold Farmers Cooperative says that’s exactly to point.
He says their growers have been selling smaller or misshapen apples this way for a few years.
MacPherson says they aren’t worried about losing full price customers.
“For us we definitely don’t see an impact on the rest of our business,” he says. “I think you’re still going to have that very strong market for the very specific consumers who want what they want and buy what they want to buy. But, this offering is there for them now.”
He says it allows them to reduce farm waste while making produce more affordable for those who don’t care if their produce is pretty.
Lablaw started with apples and potatoes but plan to include more variety over the next few months.
