IGA & The Great Unwaste: Inspiring Aussies to Unwaste More, One Shop at a Time
Partnering for Change
With a nationwide network of independent supermarkets, IGA has made an Australian first move — partnering with The Great Unwaste to inspire Aussies to waste less, right from the supermarket shelf to their own pantry.
Spotlight on the Opportunity
Metcash, wholesaler to independent supermarkets and owner of the IGA brand, is a signatory to the Australian Food Pact. Through this relationship, Metcash is committed to supporting the national target to halve Australia’s food waste by 2030.
Households are responsible for one-third of Australia’s total food waste, with one in five bags of groceries ending up in the bin. At the same time, one in five Australians face food insecurity.
In response, IGA has taken action to support its shoppers on their food waste reduction journey. Through practical tips and prompts, the initiative helps customers waste less, get the most out of their food, and save money – demonstrating IGA’s commitment to both sustainability and community wellbeing.
Turning Awareness into Action
Together with The Great Unwaste, IGA has launched “Unwaste Me” stamps on selected IGA Black & Gold and Community Co products, each paired with simple food waste tips. Every tip has been informed by behavioural science and made relevant to real, everyday shopping habits. Short and sweet, research through End Food Waste Cooperative Research Centre shows it’s simple, small steps in the home that ladder up to a big difference.
To extend the impact, IGA also refreshed its Food Waste focused webpage, featuring quick tips, recipes, and storage hacks. With a QR code accompanying the stamp, shoppers can scan product packs for more ideas on how to keep food fresher for longer and make the most of what they have.
The Impact
Selected private label products featuring the “Unwaste Me” stamp began rolling out into stores in September 2025 and will expand across approximately 1,300 Foodland and IGA stores. Following an initial trade-facing launch, the partnership has quickly gained attention — being celebrated in national media including Retail World, Convenience World Magazine, Inside FMCG, Franchise Executives, and Convenience & Impulse Retailing.
What’s Next
IGA plans to roll out the “Unwaste Me” stamp to even more products, continuing to build shopper awareness and inspire action across communities.
Together with The Great Unwaste, IGA is supporting Australians to turn food waste around!
“We’re incredibly excited about our partnership with The Great Unwaste. This represents an opportunity for us to help drive positive change when it comes to reducing food waste in Australia and helps our shoppers save by making the most of what’s in their fridge or pantry.”
Estella Young, Metcash/IGA Executive General Manager of Merchandise, Metcash Food
Want to get involved in The Great Unwaste?
Reach out to us at contact@thegreatunwaste.com.au
