Getting ready to reopen strong? It's time to make a plan for your surplus food

Sponsored article: With outdoor dining set to return from 12 April, everyone is wondering: how can hospitality businesses prepare for the unknowns that will come with it?

Between inconsistent footfall, unreliable bookings, social distancing requirements and a new consumer reliance on takeaway meals, the hospitality sector is heading into unchartered waters. And with the new landscape rendering businesses' historic patterns somewhat irrelevant, the risk of over-ordering – and ending up with surplus food, lost revenue and increased waste disposal costs – is high.

Every year, the UK hospitality industry wastes one million tonnes of surplus food – a number set to soar due to the uncertain landscape.

Too Good To Go has been helping shops and restaurants ensure their unsold food is enjoyed – not wasted – for more than five years. During this unpredictable time, having a safety net for surplus is more important than ever. "Food waste not only impacts bottom lines, but it is also damaging our environment," says Paschalis Loucaides, UK managing director at Too Good To Go. "With the Too Good To Go app, you can shore up your business to reduce food waste and recover otherwise sunk costs."

The Too Good To Go app lets more than 10,000 UK businesses sell their surplus food to thousands of customers.

How it works is simple: you'll fill a ‘Magic Bag' with surplus kitchen produce, such as ready-to-eat meals or excess raw ingredients, setting a price that's fair for you and the customer. Customers search the app for local Magic Bags, purchase one (or a few!) via the app, then collect their order at the time that works for your business.

It's a simple, effective way to reduce your waste, meet new customers and earn back revenue on surplus ingredients.

Signing up is quick and easy – the Too Good To Go team can set you up within minutes. "In a very short space of time, we've managed to facilitate the collection of fresh food items across 12 pubs," says Rowan Blenkharn, marketing manager at Hippo Inns. "The team at Too Good To Go have been fantastic, making it a smooth and efficient process. I'm so pleased we've not had to throw any food away."

Think Too Good To Go could benefit your restaurant or pub? Visit toogoodtogo.co.uk to find out more.