Surprise Packages: A Review of Orlen‘s discounted Food Offer
Orlen petrol stations are piloting a program to reduce food waste, offering “surprise packages” of unsold food at discounted prices through their mobile application. The initiative, framed as rescuing ”still quality foods” from potential landfill or biogas conversion, promises critically important savings – a salty package for 79 crowns or a sweet package for 49 crowns – roughly a third of the original price.
Currently available only at select stations in Prague and Brno, the process involves downloading the app, locating participating stations wiht available packages, and paying within the application. Purchases must be collected between 1pm and 4pm on the day of order.
During a recent test, a combined salty and sweet package was purchased from an Orlen station in Prague’s Barrandov district. Contrary to expectations of retrieving hidden, near-expiry items, the packages were assembled on demand from the station’s current offerings. Customers were even given a choice – a ham or mozzarella baguette for the salty package. The sweet package contained two pistachio croissants, one butter croissant, a strawberry-filled leaf grid, and a nougat-filled mini-roll. the salty package included the chosen ham baguette, a ham and cheese croissant sandwich, and a Schiacciata with Mortadel and basil pesto.
The total original price of the contents would have been 390 crowns, but the discounted price paid through the app was 128 crowns.
Taste tests yielded positive results. An self-reliant tester, a schoolgirl named Birgit, declared the croissant sandwich “really good” and refused to share. The ham baguette was also noted as superior to pre-packaged options found in vending machines. The editorial jury found the basil pesto in the Schiacciata to be overly intense, overpowering the flavor of the mortadel. All sweet pastries were deemed very tasty, particularly the fillings.
While the program is presented as a way to prevent food waste, the experience suggests the offered items are fresh from the counter, rather than on the verge of disposal. Questions remain about whether all displayed food ultimately ends up in the discounted packages, as Orlen’s press release suggests a 50% discount is applied to unsold items at 5pm.
Irrespective of the underlying motivation, the “surprise packages” offer motorists a cost-effective chance to enjoy a variety of food items.
