Coles is partnering with vegetable firm Nutri V to launch a range of vegetable powders made from discarded imperfect vegetables in Australia.
Nutri V – a collaboration between Coles fresh produce supplier Fresh Select and Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO – claims it is the first company in Australia to convert imperfect vegetables such as broccoli, pumpkin, and cauliflower into a powder that can be added to meals like smoothies, muffins, and pasta sauce.
Nutri V said each 70g pack of Broccoli Powder has the equivalent of approximately 750g of broccoli or two and a half heads of broccoli, while the 70g pack of Cauliflower Powder has the equivalent of approximately 750g of cauliflower or two heads of cauliflower.
It also says that it has diverted more than 200 tonnes of vegetables from landfill and added over one million serves of vegetables into the supply chain since the firm launched in 2020.
Food Innovation Australia Limited (FIAL) estimated that the amount of land used to grow wasted food in Australia covers more than 25 million hectares, a landmass larger than the state of Victoria.
Coles General Manager of Sustainability Brooke Donnelly said: “This is an excellent example of how we are developing a circular economy by converting what was previously wasted food into a valuable and convenient product. It also provides a way for our farmers to use all of their crop, which is more sustainable and financially beneficial for our growers.”
“Our powders are an excellent solution for busy people looking to increase their veggie intake…” said Nutri V CEO Raquel Said. “We’re also helping to reduce food waste by converting slightly imperfect veggies into a powder that is a source of dietary fibre, ready to use, has no mess or waste and can be added to almost any meal.”
Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian and Coles Group Manager Nutrition & Health Kim Tikellis said: “With less than 10% of Australians eating enough vegetables, this new range of powders provide an easy way to help boost veggie intake as part of a healthy eating plan and comes as many Aussies are looking to make positive changes to their health and parents start the school year on the right foot.”
Nutri V was awarded the 2023 Butler Market Gardens Environmental and Sustainability Award at Hort Connections, the 2023 Disruptor award in the AU/NZ TMRRW awards, and was a finalist in the Victorian Premiers Sustainability Awards.
The powders are now available at all Coles stores in Victoria and will expand to other states later this year.
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