Seven-Eleven Japan Co. said Tuesday it will introduce a new system July 1 in which it will shoulder 15 percent of the commodity cost of unsold products such as boxed lunches that are disposed of after their expiration dates at its franchise stores.
The nation's biggest convenience store chain operator claimed the measure is aimed at helping franchise stores overcome the recession.
However, it could be seen as a ploy to keep the franchises from selling discounted food.