REDISCOVERING THE FUNDAMENTAL VALUE OF FOOD, CONNECTING THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY AND SOCIAL WELFARE
2024/08/05
PX Mart PX Mart Cherish Food Project
According to statistics from the Environmental Protection Administration, the average amount of food waste
generated per person in Taiwan is about 96 kilograms per year. This equates to approximately 2.2 million metric
tons of kitchen waste recycled annually in Taiwan. In response, since 2017, PX Mart has been promoting the
"Cherish Food Project" to find solutions for preventing food waste between the sale and disposal of excess food.
The execution strategy of the Cherish Food Project covers four main aspects. In the aspect of "selling appropriate
quantities," a cooperative model is used to maintain the supply-demand balance of crops for farmers. Additionally, by providing small-packaged ingredients and “developing freshness-retaining packaging products” at stores, the project effectively locks in the moisture and freshness of ingredients to extend their shelf life, reducing waste and leftovers. In terms of "assisting vulnerable groups in achieving nutritional balance," discarded food becomes more valuable, not only supplementing nutrition but also ensuring that those in need can eat enough, ultimately ending hunger.
In the aspect of "promotional discounts for goods,"soon-to-expire products and imperfect-looking fruits and vegetables are discounted at 20% or 40% off on the last day of their shelf life, driving consumer purchasing
power, and reducing the quantity of unsold food. As for "video promotion and educational outreach," given PX
Mart's ongoing digital transformation and the widespread use of electronic billboards and consumer interactions at stores, the project launched its first Cherish Food video in 2020.
As of 2023, the Cherish Food Project has accumulated 347 participating PX Mart Cherish stores. Over 220
social welfare organizations have benefited. PX Mart's donations include six categories of high-value, ihg nutrition food from which over ten million people benefit each year.
Ingredients labeled with "Cherish Food" tags are sent to social welfare organizations to help more vulnerable groups have enough to eat.