Australian households throw away $1,036 of wasted food each year and fresh food accounts for $343 of that figure.

This data come from a 2009 survey conducted by the NSW government which asked respondents to estimate the average weekly cost of the food that their household purchases, does not consume, and eventually throws away.

Based on these figures, it is estimated Australians are throwing out $8 billion worth of edible food each year. That’s a lot of limp lettuce.

Fisher &  Paykel’s ActiveSmart refrigerator technology is specially designed to keep food fresher for longer, and through its latest campaign, Fisher & Paykel is asking consumers to put it to the test.

Point-of-sale, advertisements in print and digital, and outdoor billboards will ask consumers to take the ‘Ka-Runch Test’ to see the difference in produce quality when left on the regular fridge shelf compared with storing it in the ActiveSmart humidity controlled bins for 14 days.

F&P Ka-runch

Fisher & Paykel wants you to take a ‘shelfie’ — a photo of the inside of your fridge — share it on social media and write why they should be selected for the Ka-Runch Testing Panel.

Up to five entrants will be selected to review their choice of ActiveSmart fridge (which will be theirs to keep).

ActiveSmart gives refrigerators the ability to sense and respond to daily use in an intelligent way through a combination of temperature sensors combined with smart electronics and variable speed fans. This distributes cool air evenly and efficiently creating a consistent and stable temperature throughout the fridge and freezer.

“Not only does this represent benefits to the consumer by eliminating wastage and saving money, but also by preserving nutritional benefits,” Fisher & Paykel said.

ActiveSmart technology is found in Fisher & Paykel’s CoolDrawer, French Door, Door Drawer, Bottom Mount and Top Mount refrigerators.

04 Fisher & Paykel RF610ADX4 - 900mm French Door non Ice & Water