In an effort to combat food waste, China’s catering and food industries have turned to an unexpected savior: ‘Blind Box’ toys.
Originally popular for their element of surprise, these pre-wrapped packages are now being utilized to package surplus food items that would have otherwise been discarded.
Typically filled with small toys or trinkets, these blind boxes are now being stocked with loaves of bread, muffins, imported cookies, soft drinks, and more, providing a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to disposing of excess food.
https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/kechhotline
The positive impact has been remarkable, with daily discarded bread and pastries cut by a staggering 50%, thanks to this innovative approach. As a result, bakeries and grocery stores across China, like the one in Chengdu city, are reporting reduced waste and increased sales, catering to younger clientele who are drawn to the element of surprise.
Read Also:Heatwaves in China Pose Threat to Agricultural Production
“We sell about 20 blind boxes a day, all around 600 a month,” says one bakery owner, highlighting the popularity of this creative solution.
The blind box trend has extended to include various imported products, ranging from biscuits to alcoholic beverages, adding a unique twist to the shopping experience for consumers and offering a lifeline to products nearing their expiration dates.
According to II Media Research, a Chinese consultancy agency, the country’s near-expired food market is projected to exceed 5.6 billion US dollars in 2025, underscoring the potential of the blind box strategy in curbing food waste and benefiting both businesses and consumers alike.
Subscribe to our Youtube channel Switch TV
