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University essay from SLU/Dept. of Soil and Environment

Abstract: Every year, thousands tons of edible food are discarded by the grocery stores. This is food that could have gone to people that’s in need of it. In many countries, so called food banks are established in order to supply welfare organizations with this kind of food. Today there is no equivalent system existing in Sweden. However, there is a company, called Allwin, which provides a service as distribution channel between companies/stores and welfare organizations. They distribute food which otherwise would have been discarded. Allwin is currently establishing their business in Stockholm, and has by the help of Consumer Association Stockholm (SWE: Konsumentföreningen Stockholm) got in touch with Björn Flodqvist, store manager at Coop Konsum Zinken. The aim of this project is to find out if there is a possibility to establish a cooperation between this store and Allwin, and how this cooperation should be designed with regard to the legislation about food safety. Through interviews with both parties as well as with present business partners to Allwin, experiences, attitudes and expectations regarding the cooperation with Allwin have been collected. Today, Coop Konsum Zinken, has a positive attitude towards a cooperation with Allwin in the future. No obvious disagreements regarding routines have appeared. It is important to Coop Zinken that the cooperation will not result in an increase in expenditures or workload of the staff. Allwins’ goal is that the costs will be equivalent to the current costs for waste management, and therefore this shouldn’t be a problem. Allwin needs the food to be packed and sorted after type of product. This should work well since it does not differ much from Coop Zinkens present routines. Both parties have similar views on the division of responsibilities regarding food safety, and the importance of keeping the cold chain. Allwin has defined several goals regarding the future development of their business. Among others Allwin wants to expand the business and be able to manage additional types of food products. This expansion of business is approved by Coop Zinken, which would like to donate all types of food. Allwin also wants to strengthen the routines concerning the food management. This is important for Coop Zinken which wants a guarantee that all their food distributed by Allwin is handled correctly according to food safety in every step of the distribution. According to Swedish law, there is nothing that prevents food, that is approaching or having passed best before date, from being given to charity and thereby consumed.

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