Bradford-based Morrisons has outlined how it cuts down on food waste as it emerged that supermarket rival Tesco is dropping some food promotions after finding that two-thirds of produce grown for bagged salad is wasted.

Yesterday Tesco revealed food waste figures for the first time, showing that 68 per cent of salad sold in bags is thrown out – 35 per cent in the home.

As a result of the findings, it is to end multi-buys on large bags of salad and is developing mix-and-match promotions for smaller bags in a bid to help customers reduce waste.

It is also removing ‘display until’ dates from fresh fruit and vegetables, using smaller cases in stores and rearranging 600 in-store bakeries to reduce the amount of bread on display, with the aim of better stock control.

The retailer found that 40 per cent of apples are wasted, as are just under half of bakery items.

A quarter of grapes are wasted between the vine and the fruit bowl and a fifth of all bananas are unused - with customers throwing one in 10 in the bin.

In comparison, Morrisons said it made sure very little went to waste.

A Morrisons spokesman said: “We make more than half of the fresh food we sell ourselves, and this gives us unrivalled opportunities to reduce waste in our supply chain.

“We buy whole crops and animals direct from Britain’s farmers and own our manufacturing and packing facilities. This means the food we source is sent to stores quicker than other retailers and used in our own brand ranges, with virtually nothing going to waste.

“Our ‘Great Taste Less Waste’ campaign helps customers reduce food waste, and save money, by offering clear storage advice on pack, online and in our regular magazine, as well as providing advice on how to make the most of leftovers. We also work with industry bodies to develop best practice.

“Finally, we are also working with our suppliers and the charity FareShare to ensure that any surplus food which can’t be sold is distributed to community groups, who work with the most vulnerable people in society, rather than being thrown away.

“As a result of these policies, we have industry leading figures on our food waste.”

Tesco had said that it will now also share tips with customers about how to use leftover bread, and is working with grape and banana suppliers to improve delivery times and conditions.

The supermarket tracked 25 best-selling products and combined information with data from the Waste and Resources Action Programme (Wrap) to give an overall food waste "footprint" for each item.

Tesco commercial director of group food Matt Simister said: "We've all got a responsibility to tackle food waste and there is no quick-fix single solution. Little changes can make a big difference, like storing fruit and vegetables in the right way.

"Families are wasting an estimated £700 a year and we want to help them keep that money in their pockets, rather than throwing it in the bin.”