Company Shop plays Secret Santa year-round, rescuing 12,000+ tonnes of Christmas surplus
Amid the festive frenzy of Christmas, Company Shop Group emerges as the unsung hero, committed to saving over 12,000 tonnes of surplus during the holiday season.
As the UK’s premier redistributor, the company ensures that no Christmas excess goes to waste, acting as the industry’s covert surplus Santa.
Far from limiting their efforts to the holiday rush, Company Shop Group’s surplus experts work diligently throughout winter to redirect thousands of tonnes of Christmas food and products, preventing them from meeting an untimely end. Over the past three years, the group has successfully redistributed more than 500,000 turkeys, 100 miles of wrapping paper, and almost 1.3 million mince pies—each product still perfectly suitable for use, consumption, or wear.
Notably, 73% of turkey products, mince pies, Christmas puddings, and wrapping paper handled by Company Shop Group found new homes after January. This year, the group anticipates handling a minimum of over 12,000 tonnes of surplus during the coming months, injecting at least £11.5 million back into the industry by salvaging otherwise wasted stock.
In a recent member survey, Company Shop found that 87% of members are willing to enjoy festive treats beyond their metaphorical sell-by dates. And, 46% acknowledge that these products remain perfectly good at any time of year, emphasising both economic and environmental benefits.
As concerns rise over a potential decrease in Christmas grocery spending, with a third of UK consumers expected to cut back, retailers and manufacturers face the looming threat of excess stock. To address this, Company Shop encourages early assessment of products destined for surplus and advocates for redistribution routes. With 14 Company Shop stores and 12 Community Shops providing personal development support alongside food aid, the group offers a solution to minimise waste.
Owen McLellan, Managing Director of Company Shop Group, emphasised the importance of preventing unnecessary waste during the festive trading period. He urged retailers and manufacturers to consider redistributing surplus stock not only during but especially after the Christmas season, offering financial, social, and environmental returns.
McLellan commented, “Our unique position as both a retailer and the UK’s largest redistributor allows us to support thousands of families, providing access to high-quality, low-cost products that help stretch budgets over the festive season and beyond. To combat unnecessary waste, we encourage stakeholders to explore redistribution opportunities through our surplus hotline, ensuring a one-stop-shop solution with multifaceted returns across the supply chain, regardless of the time of year.”
