Company Shop Group has announced a record year in the fight against unnecessary food waste as it reports handling more than 98 million surplus products last year alone, powered by the strength of its partnerships.

Company Shop’s latest Sustainability Report, launched today, reveals that the Group, which is the UK’s leading surplus redistributor, saved 34,590 tonnes of food and products from needlessly going to waste in 2021.

The Group continues to provide unparalleled surplus solutions to the industry through its ‘one-stop shop’ offer, critical in today’s climate as businesses look to maximise economic and social value. As such, the Group reports delivering a financial return of £32.9million to its partners across the year, taking the total figure paid back over the last decade to £165 million.

The Group’s estate enjoyed a further period of sustained growth, with the successful opening of four new Company Shop stores, two new Community Shop stores, and the establishment of a further three staff shops on partner manufacturing sites.

Easing the challenges brought by the cost-of-living squeeze, Company Shop Group has helped to stretch hundreds of thousands of family budgets by collectively saving its members over £80million on their shopping. To bolster its impact, over the last year the Group has extended its membership base to include charities and welcomed a further 250,000 new members through its doors.

The success of the Group’s award-winning social enterprise, Community Shop, is also celebrated within the report. The ever-growing social supermarket network received a 34% increase in donations from industry partners over the year, enabling it to provide the equivalent of over 2,950,000 meals for individuals and families most in need.

By working in collaboration with food businesses, charities, local authorities, grass-root organisations and housing associations, Community Shop supported over 20,500 households last year, with over 8,000 members engaging in life-changing Hub activities.

With its Sustainability Report focused on The Power Of Partnerships, the Group has paid tribute to its long-standing partners within the retail, manufacturing and hospitality industries. It also celebrates its new ties with the likes of Too Good To Go, the continued success of its pioneering Luminary Programme, and the ongoing support received from senior politicians, sectors leaders and anchor institutions.

Now part of the Biffa family, the Group is perfectly positioned to continue to deliver transformational social, economic and environmental impact.

Commenting on the Power of Partnerships report, Steph McGinty, Managing Director of Company Shop Group said: 

“At Company Shop Group we have always sought to work collaboratively with our industry partners and wider stakeholders, as we believe that together we can be a force for good and make a genuine and positive difference for the people and world around us – socially, commercially and environmentally. 

“I am immensely proud of the versatility and resilience that the Group has shown over the last year, and the brilliant outcomes we have achieved at the end of it all. As celebrated in our latest Sustainability Report, we’ve continued to work with our partners to turn problems into potential, and to support our communities; two of the things we care about most. 

“Today’s achievements would not have been possible without our talented colleagues and powerful partnerships. However, we’re not stopping here, and we know there is a lot more we can do by working together, so I would urge any organisation looking to unlock true value from their stock to partner with Company Shop Group, as we work to create a world where no surplus needlessly goes to waste.” 

Gary Stott, Chairman of Community Shop commented: 

“It has been another phenomenal year in Community Shop’s journey, reflected in the significant increase we have seen in our partnerships, donations and support from businesses and organisations, and in the life-changing outcomes we have delivered for the people and communities we’re so proud to serve. 

“It is fitting that this year’s sustainability report recognises and celebrates the power of collaboration when it comes to delivering lasting impact, and unlocking the full potential of surplus. As evidenced within our latest figures, Community Shop is about so much more than just food, and our impact is made possible by the generosity and support of our partners who share our vision and passion for generating positive change. 

“We would like to thank everyone who has played their part in building on Community Shop’s legacy over the last year, and I look forward to working with even more partners in the year ahead as we build these latest achievements.”