EDEKA Center Brehm, a Berlin-based supermarket owned by independent retailer Stefanie Brehm, has been awarded the 2024 “Award for Responsible Action” by the EDEKA Group. The accolade recognizes the store’s innovative project, “Jack the Retter” (Jack the Rescuer), which is aimed at reducing food waste through a unique and practical solution.
The “Jack the Retter” Initiative: A Fresh Approach to Food Waste
The project addresses a common issue in grocery stores—customers abandoning unwanted items in random store locations, often causing fresh or perishable goods to go unsellable due to an interrupted cold chain. The solution? Mobile shelving systems equipped with refrigerated compartments strategically placed throughout the store, including near checkout areas.
These “Jack the Retter” shelves allow customers to return items they no longer wish to purchase without risking spoilage or waste. This simple yet creative solution has proven effective, saving food worth approximately €20 daily, amounting to over €5,000 annually.
Why It Stands Out
The jury praised the project for its practicality, scalability, and originality, calling it a role model for sustainable retail practices. The solution’s potential for adoption across other stores highlights its relevance in tackling a Germany-wide issue of food appreciation and waste reduction.
A Self-Built, Solution-Oriented System
The “Jack the Retter” shelves are entirely self-conceived and custom-built by the EDEKA Center Brehm team. Their mobility and refrigeration features make them particularly effective, especially in busy areas like checkout zones where most abandoned items are left.
Recognition for Sustainable Retail
The Award for Responsible Action, established in 2018, honors innovative ecological or social projects implemented by EDEKA’s independent retailers. Criteria for the award include the benefit of the project, its originality, and scalability. The initiative is a testament to the personal commitment of EDEKA merchants towards sustainable trade practices.
Opinion: A Simple Idea with Big Potential
EDEKA Center Brehm’s “Jack the Retter” shows how small, practical innovations can have a significant impact. By addressing food waste at the store level, this project not only saves money but also fosters a culture of food appreciation among customers. Its scalability means it could inspire broader adoption, turning an everyday problem into a nationwide solution.
As consumers and businesses increasingly prioritize sustainability, initiatives like “Jack the Retter” set an example for the retail industry to follow. It’s proof that tackling food waste doesn’t always require complex technology—sometimes, it’s about rethinking how we manage resources in simple but effective ways.
