A new platform to help reduce food waste is currently being trialled and set to be launched by some of the UK’s leading brands.

Founding partners Co-op and Microsoft, supported by technology consultancy BJSS and Team ITG, have created Caboodle, a not-for-profit digital platform that enables supermarkets, cafés and restaurants to connect with community groups and volunteers to redistribute surplus food.

Built on Microsoft’s Power Platform technology, Caboodle aims to create a single place where food retailers and businesses across the hospitality sector can connect with volunteers and community groups in every city, town and village in the UK, helping to share food when and where it is needed.

The platform, which is currently being trialled in Co-op's food stores in Northern Ireland, Milton Keynes and London goes live next month across a further 2,500 food stores. Current trials are being conducted with support from environmental charity Hubbub through the Community Fridge Network. Community groups outside of these areas can register now to be notified of when Caboodle is operating in their area at group.thecaboodle.co.uk

Estelle Herszenhorn, food lead at WRAP said: “Surplus food redistribution has been a success story over recent years. 320,000 tonnes of food was saved from going to waste between 2015 and 2020 worth £1bn, and providing the equivalent of 220 million meals. But much more good food is still going to waste that could feed people.”

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