How the food industry can help to reduce ‘The Food We Waste’

WRAP has recently published the most comprehensive study ever undertaken into the food consumers throw away in the UK. This, and more recent research has provided valuable insights in to how the food industry can help consumers to throw away less food.

WRAP held two food industry events in September (London and Leeds) to disseminate research findings, to identify opportunities for new approaches for food waste prevention and to discuss how WRAP could facilitate innovation and implementation.

The events attracted more than 100 delegates from across the food supply chain.

In the morning delegates were presented with detailed findings from WRAP’s food waste research, and examples of what could be done to help consumers and the retail supply chain to reduce food waste. Presentations included:

key findings and new insights from The Food We Waste and related research;
update on WRAP’s food waste prevention strategy and the Love Food Hate Waste campaign;
illustrations of where the food industry can make a difference

Improved communication: Fresh fruit & vegetable storage advice
Technical innovation: improved seal integrity
The role of packaging in reducing food waste and;

guidance on WRAP’s new programme to work with industry to reduce food and packaging waste throughout the supply chain.

In the afternoon, delegates took part in category focussed workshops to explore opportunities and barriers for helping the industry to reduce consumer food waste, and to shape future priorities and ways of working. Sessions were held on:

fresh fruit and vegetables;
chilled food; and
bakery and ambient foods.

WRAP also announced the launch of its new Call for partners for organisations involved in the retail and food supply chain to develop and support projects to reduce food waste at home and in the supply chain. The closing date for submissions is Thursday 20^th November.

To see the presentations from the two events please select from the list below:

TFWW: Alison Austin - Reducing fruit & vegetable waste - London (2069 kb)