What "Food Waste" means to us.
Food Waste: The Problem We’re Solving
Did you know that Australia wastes $20 billion worth of food every year? That's an enormous problem—and it’s mostly caused by perfectly edible food being tossed out due to things like overproduction, cosmetic imperfections, and shifting market demands. At Little Round Spoon, we think it’s time to do something about it!
Here’s what’s happening in the food system:
1. Waste on the Farm
Farmers are facing a massive problem. Produce like fruits and veggies that don’t meet the ‘perfect’ appearance standards often get left behind in the fields or thrown away. It could be a tomato that’s a little bruised or a carrot that’s not the right shape. But here’s the kicker: these items are still 100% edible—they just don’t look “pretty” enough for grocery stores.
- Misshapen apples, small potatoes, bruised tomatoes, or imperfect citrus are just some of the victims.
- This food waste adds up to a $2.5 billion loss every year in the farming sector.
2. Waste on the Supermarket Shelf
Once food gets to the retail stage, it faces another hurdle: it doesn’t meet the aesthetic standards of many supermarkets. So, produce like overripe bananas, wilting lettuce, or tired-looking berries is tossed out, even if it’s still perfectly safe to eat.
- Supermarkets and grocery stores throw away an estimated $2 billion worth of food each year—simply because it doesn’t look “fresh” enough.
The Big Opportunity
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by this waste, but at Little Round Spoon, we see it as an opportunity to make a real difference. By upcycling surplus or cosmetically imperfect produce, we’re creating something delicious while also fighting the food waste crisis. And, we’re not alone—today’s eco-conscious consumers, especially Millennials and Gen Z, are more than ever willing to support products that align with their values: sustainability, supporting local farmers, and reducing food waste.
Our Solution: Turning Food Waste Into Something Wonderful
At Little Round Spoon, we don’t just talk about reducing food waste—we take action. We work directly with farmers, supermarkets, and non-profits to rescue food that would otherwise be discarded, and we transform it into something you can feel good about: premium condiments like sauces, jams, chutneys and pickles. Here's how we do it:
1. Sourcing Surplus Produce
We partner with local farmers, grocers, and non-profits to collect fruits and veggies that might not make it to store shelves. These are perfectly edible items that don’t meet the superficial standards of shape, size, or ripeness—but they are still packed with flavour and nutrition!
2. Upcycling Into Premium Products
Once we get our hands on these veggies and fruits, we carefully transform them into high-quality, gourmet products—think sauces, jam, chutneys, and pickles—without compromising on taste. These products are just as delicious and nutritious as their ‘perfectly’ produced counterparts, but with a far smaller environmental footprint.
3. Committed to Sustainability
Our entire process is designed to make a positive impact. By using surplus food, we reduce food waste, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and cut down on the amount of edible food that ends up in landfills. Plus, we’re committed to ethical sourcing and full transparency about our environmental and social impact.
4. Empowering Eco-Conscious Consumers
We know that today’s consumers—especially those in the Millennial and Gen Z generations—care deeply about sustainability. By choosing Little Round Spoon, you’re not just getting a delicious product; you’re also playing a direct role in reducing food waste and supporting local farmers and businesses. It’s a win-win!
The Impact of Our Work
When you choose Little Round Spoon, you’re making a choice that’s good for you, good for farmers, and good for the planet. Here’s how we’re creating impact:
- Environmental Impact: By repurposing food that would otherwise be wasted, we’re reducing greenhouse gas emissions and keeping perfectly good food out of landfills.
- Economic Impact: Our partnerships with farmers, grocers, and non-profits provide a new revenue stream for surplus food, turning waste into profit.
- Consumer Impact: You, the consumer, are at the heart of this movement. Your purchase helps reduce waste, supports sustainability, and connects you to the local food community.
Looking Ahead: Scaling Our Impact
We’re just getting started! As awareness of the food waste crisis grows, so does our opportunity to make a bigger impact. In the future, we plan to expand our partnerships and grow our product range to bring even more delicious, waste-reducing products to your kitchen. Together, we can be part of the solution to one of the world’s biggest environmental challenges.
Join us in the fight against food waste. Together, we can make every spoonful count.