A global crisis with economic, social and environmental consequences
A problem that can no longer be ignored
Every year, 1.7 billion tons of food end up in the trash. That’s enough to feed 1.26 billion people. More than one billion tons are wasted in households, proving that domestic food waste remains one of the biggest challenges worldwide.
The enormous economic impact
According to Coldiretti, the total economic value of wasted food reaches $4.5 trillion annually. This represents a colossal burden for supply chains, producers, and families. Food waste undermines the resilience of the entire global food system.
Fruits and vegetables most affected
Ironically, the most wasted products are also the healthiest: fruits and vegetables. They account for more than half of global food waste. Being perishable goods, they are often discarded due to aesthetic standards or because they were purchased in excess.
A heavy toll on the environment
Food waste is not only a social and economic tragedy—it also causes severe environmental damage. Every ton of food produced but not consumed means wasted water, land, and energy, as well as unnecessary CO₂ emissions. Cutting food waste would significantly reduce the environmental footprint of the food industry.
What can be done
The solution requires action at multiple levels:
- Households: plan shopping carefully, store food properly, reuse leftovers, and avoid overbuying.
- Institutions and businesses: support food recovery programs, create incentives for food donations, and improve supply chain efficiency.
- Society as a whole: promote awareness, education, and policies to fight waste.
Reducing food waste is not just an ethical responsibility, it’s a practical opportunity to save money, help people in need, and protect our planet.