When grocery stores reject produce they describe as imperfect, this company steps in
December 25, 2025 / 7:57 PM EST / CBS News
TL;DR
- Florida Georgia Citrus farm discards imperfect satsuma mandarins that don't meet grocery store standards.
- U.S. grocery stores reject over 20 billion pounds of imperfect produce annually, valued at over $17 billion.
- This food waste occurs as food prices have significantly increased.
- Misfits Market, founded in 2018, buys rejected produce from farmers and sells it online to consumers.
- The company aims to reduce food waste and provide access to affordable, healthy food.
- Misfits Market has saved 200 million pounds of food from being trashed.
- Customers like Jojo Cheng report saving 15-20% on groceries bought through Misfits Market.
- The farm owner notes that rejected fruit often retains good flavor and quality.