Making “ugly” attractive: Reducing food waste

Wednesday 29th October 2025

15:30 - 17:00

The Centre for Sustainable & Socially Responsible Consumption (CSSRC) invites you to attend its research event on Wednesday 29th October 2025 to enjoy a presentation of BA Leverhulme funded research. After a welcome refreshment this interesting, interactive and informative event will comprise a topical presentation session, led by members of CSSRC and colleague, as outlined below. Opportunity for discussions and networking over drinks and nibbles after the talk will round off the event.

Making “ugly” attractive: Can the way in which imperfect fruit & vegetables are presented reduce “ugly” food waste?

Food waste is one of today’s most pressing sustainability challenges, with consumer rejection of imperfect or “ugly” fruit and vegetables contributing to the problem. Retailers and policymakers alike are searching for strategies that not only increase acceptance of this type of produce but also reduce waste in stores and households.

Questions to address are: How do shoppers actually view “ugly” fruit and vegetables? What selling approaches can help shift perceptions and purchasing behaviour?

This talk will be presented by Dr Guljira Manimont (BU), Dr Jay Kim (University of Strathclyde), and Professor Juliet Memery (BU). Funded by the British Academy, their project explores consumer responses to imperfect produce and offers insights with practical implications for retail practice and sustainability.

Provisional Timetable:

3.30-3.45pm - Welcome refreshments

3.45-4.30pm – Presentation sessions

4.30-5.00pm – Discussion, networking and refreshments

This is a free event, but you must register to attend via Eventbrite.

About CSSRC

The Centre for Sustainable & Socially Responsible Consumption (CSSRC) aims to promote and advance the understanding of sustainable consumption and socially responsible consumption through developing and delivering internationally renowned research. It provides a hub to explore and address topics that are

currently globally relevant, through utilising a strong interdisciplinary focus. Webpage: https://www.bournemouth.ac.uk/research/centres-institutes/centre-sustainable-socially-responsible-consumption

For further information on this event please contact jmemery@bournemouth.ac.uk

How to get to BU:

Talbot campus is easily accessed via public transport and has bike storage points. Please see travel info

Bournemouth University’s Online Event Terms and Conditions

Photos may be taken at the event. If you do not want to appear in any photos, please notify a member of staff at the event. For further information on the use of photos and videos, please refer to our privacy policy