Outcast partners with Sobeys to cut food waste

Outcast Foods is working with Sobeys Inc. to minimize food waste in its Debert, Nova Scotia distribution center and select Nova Scotia stores.

Outcast uses a state-of-the-art process to dry unsellable fruits and vegetables immediately, locking in the nutrients and extending shelf life to 3 years.  Surplus fruits and vegetables destined for landfills are processed using patent-pending technology and packaged into our Plant Strong Protein products which are available at Sobeys’ retail locations.

“This is the first step in changing the way grocers and food brokers deal with surplus produce,” said Outcast Foods CEO Dr. Darren Burke. “The days of sending edible food to the landfill are coming to an end thanks to our upcycling process that uses multiple innovations from machine learning to a novel, high-efficiency drying invention.”

Outcast credits Sobeys for their trailblazing approach to sustainability. “Partnerships like this don’t come together overnight,” said TJ Galiardi, CMO of Outcast Foods.  “The Sobeys management team has been contributing expertise and advice since day one. They have provided valuable information to help quantify the problem and are active in the direction we take to find a sustainable solution.”.

“The innovation the food industry is testing to address both food security and environmental sustainability is very exciting,” said Vittoria Varalli, Vice President, Sustainability and Chief of Staff, Sobeys Inc. “We will learn a lot through this program and our partnership with Outcast and look forward to bringing innovative industry-wide solutions forward that will create a more sustainable future for generations to come.”