A JERSEY-BASED business that reduces food waste has again been nominated for the prestigious Earthshot Prize.
Software platform Gander has been put forward for the £1 million “Building a Waste-Free World” category for its work saving millions of food items and contributing towards a circular economy.
Launched as a world-first in Jersey in 2019, Gander provides a real-time feed for retailers to market reduced-to-clear products, nearing expiration.
The technology automatically integrates data from retailers’ point-of-sale systems, as well as Olio, a local mobile app that connects people so that goods or items can be shared rather than thrown away, and location data, and has so far been used by millions of sustainability-focused consumers across the UK, Channel Islands, Greece, Australia and Brazil.
It has so far saved 38.9 million food items from being wasted.
This year marks the third consecutive year that the software has been nominated for an Earshot Prize, which awards global innovators who come up with ground-breaking solutions to the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.
Launched in 2021, the event awards £1 million to the winning organisation in each of five categories and is spearheaded by Sir David Attenborough, Prince William and The Royal Foundation.
This year’s awards ceremony is due to take place in Brazil, and Gander has been put forward by Brazil-based BVRio, an official nominator for the competition.
Ashley Osborne, founder of the software, highlighted the importance of its mission: “The urgency of transforming our efforts to reduce food waste is clear.
“Our technology enables retailers to reach more consumers, ensuring perfectly good food is sold and consumed rather than wasted. This benefits everyone; retailers maintain their margins, consumers access affordable food, and the resources used in food production are preserved.”
As a member of Digital Jersey, the organisation’s membership manager, Kirsty Woods, added that Gander “strengthens Jersey’s digital credentials”.
Discussing the company’s nomination, Ms Woods said: “We are delighted to see Gander receive this prestigious recognition.
“As a member of Digital Jersey, we look forward to supporting Gander in strengthening Jersey’s digital credentials while championing technology to reduce food waste.”
