Co-op is quietly planning the launch of a surplus food-distribution app, according to a trademark, website and store trial uncovered by RN.

A trademark for ‘Caboodle’ filed by the chain on 4 February covered online tools for retailers and wholesalers to use to share excess stock with “charities and individuals”.

Co-op refused to comment, but local promotion shows store trials of the scheme began at Ballynure Co-op in County Antrim, Northern Ireland on 7 March.

Beep waste-tracking app can help stores save money

A website, group.thecaboodle.co.uk, claims: “We empower retailers and communities by tackling food waste and helping redistribute surplus food from supermarkets, cafés and retailers.”

The model appears to be a direct rival to Booker-partnered food-sharing app Olio.

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