Even if it's a B-grade product, the contents are A-grade

Hello. This is Net Supermarket V.

High prices and soaring prices are words we hear everywhere. Due to factors such as raw materials, supplies, distribution, and labor costs, as well as the effects of weather and natural disasters, the impression is that everything is expensive. Fresh food prices are also rising, with vegetables, fruits, and seafood also experiencing price hikes. It feels like we haven't heard words like bumper harvest or big catch in recent years. The days of a head of cabbage costing 98 yen, a pack of strawberries costing 298 yen, and a single saury costing 98 yen are a thing of the past! Producers and those involved in the fishing industry are also struggling.

In this environment, those involved in agriculture and fishing (those in the primary industry) are making efforts every day to always provide the best food ingredients. However, not all of the produce is of good quality, and half of the produce is often discarded or not distributed due to size, weight, or shape not being suitable.

The products produced are graded and distributed in various ranks, including special, A, B, and C, with the higher grades commanding a reasonable price, while the lower grades are traded at lower prices. In particular, B grades and below are 10 to 30 percent cheaper than the higher grades. These are what are known as "improper" products. The main reasons for this are scratches, dents, discoloration, and deformation, but many are comparable in taste to the higher grades. This makes sense, as they are produced in the same fields and in the same environment. However, if only the higher grades are distributed and the lower grades remain unsold, it puts producers in a difficult position and leads to food waste.

Some restaurants choose lower grades of meat to use as cooking ingredients in order to cut costs. It's true that restaurants don't care about anything other than taste. If the outside doesn't look good but the inside is the same as A-grade meat, they'll choose the cheaper one.

We ask for your cooperation in reducing food waste.