However, only 34% of businesses feel they are effectively managing food waste within their segment. According to the Food Waste Gap Report by Too Good To Go, nearly two-thirds (65%) of companies have reported an increased focus on food waste over the last five years, while only 8.5% noted a decrease. Additionally, 74% of businesses have observed a rise in customer interest in food waste management during the same period.
Despite this growing awareness of food waste as a critical issue, the report indicates that it is not leading to significant action from businesses. Only 34% of companies believe they are successfully handling food waste, with figures varying by sector: 43% in the grocery sector, 27% in fast casual dining, and 32% in restaurants. The report also reveals that 82% of consumers think businesses should take more action to reduce food waste.
Furthermore, many businesses consider that transporting goods (52.5%) is the leading contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, followed by electricity and heating (46%), and food waste (41.5%). “Our findings underscore the urgent need for industry leaders to collaborate and share insights to bridge the gap between awareness and effective action in combating food waste and its environmental impact,” stated Sophie Trueman, country director UK&I for Too Good To Go.
Over two-thirds of consumers (68%) feel that their awareness and interest in food waste have increased over the past five years, and 79% are inclined to purchase groceries from businesses that implement food waste reduction measures. Food waste is responsible for 10% of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions globally.
