UK food industry sets out roadmap to reduce food waste

Over 90 organisations from across the UK’s food sector, including retailers, food producers, manufacturers have set out a roadmap which aims to significantly reduce food waste throughout the UK.

A statement from non-profit organisation WRAP announced the 90 early adopters of the Food Waste Reduction Roadmap, which sets out a pathway to reducing the UK’s annual £20 billion food waste ‘bill’, the equivalent of £300 worth of food waste per UK citizen.

The roadmap was developed by WRAP and fellow charity IGD, and the first milestone established by the roadmap is to ensure that at least 50% of the UK’s 250 largest food businesses are measuring and reporting their food waste data by September 2019, and that all 250 companies do so by 2026.

The Roadmap encompasses the entire supply chain from field to fork, and establishes the steps businesses can take to reduce food waste in their own supply chain, and how they can engage with consumers to help reduce their food waste.

Among the 90 early adopters are major businesses such as Nestle, Kraft Heinz UK and Unilever, trade associations such as the Food and Drink Federation, and retailers such as Sainsbury’s and Tesco, which called on the food industry to tackle food waste in a statement released yesterday.

Marcus Gover, CEO of WRAP said: “Together, WRAP and IGD have mobilised industry leaders to create a bold sector-wide Roadmap, showing clearly what UK businesses must do.

“This Roadmap is hugely ambitious, and I’m delighted that the UK is the first country anywhere to set a nation-wide plan towards delivering its part in SDG 12.3. There are many businesses working hard already, but many more need to focus on food waste.

“If the food sector follows this Roadmap it will significantly accelerate work to achieving both Courtauld 2025, and SDG12.3 targets. And I urge other companies to adopt the principles laid out in the Roadmap and join the rest of the sector on this historic journey.”

Joanne Denney-Finch, chief executive of IGD added: “The Food Waste Reduction Roadmap presents a huge opportunity for every business within the UK food and grocery industry to provide reassurance for shoppers.

“UK shoppers see industry food waste at the top of their priorities and by working together with the total food chain, we’re delighted to have secured a world first, with the UK leading the way in this important area.

“As a result, I’m confident we will see continued momentum on this high profile initiative.”