Food Waste Industry Statistics

In this post, we will explore the staggering statistics surrounding food waste in the global food industry. From the significant environmental impact to the economic implications, these statistics shed light on the urgent need to address and reduce food waste at various stages of the supply chain.

Statistic 1

"In the United States, food waste is estimated at between 30-40 percent of the food supply."

Statistic 2

"1.3 billion tons of food is wasted worldwide each year."

Statistic 3

"The value of global food waste is around $1 trillion annually."

Statistic 4

"If food waste were a country, it would be the third largest emitter of greenhouse gases after China and the USA."

Statistic 5

"Every year, consumers in rich countries waste almost as much food (222 million tonnes) as the entire net food production of sub-Saharan Africa (230 million tonnes)."

Statistic 6

"Per capita waste by consumers is between 95-115 kg a year in Europe and North America."

Statistic 7

"The amount of food lost or wasted every year is equivalent to more than half of the world's annual cereals crop (2.3 billion tonnes in 2009/2010)."

Statistic 8

"Roughly one third of the food produced in the world for human consumption every year — approximately 1.3 billion tonnes — gets lost or wasted."

Statistic 9

"Per capita waste by consumers is between 6-11 kg/year in sub-Saharan Africa, south and southeastern Asia."

Statistic 10

"Every year, the United States wastes 63 million tons of food."

Statistic 11

"In 2010, 133 billion pounds and $161 billion worth of food was wasted."

Statistic 12

"More than 50% of food waste happens during “upstream,” or the production, yield handling and storage phase of food production."

Statistic 13

"Food loss and waste accounts for about 8% of annual global greenhouse gas emissions."

Statistic 14

"If 25% less food was wasted globally, it would be enough to feed all the people who are malnourished."

Statistic 15

"A report shows that 2.5 billion tons of food (1.2 trillion tons of CO2) will be wasted in 2020."

Statistic 16

"In the UK, 70% of the post-farm gate food waste arises from households."

Statistic 17

"On average, American households throw away $1,600 a year on wasted food."

Statistic 18

"Each year, 1.3 billion tons of food — about a third of all food produced globally — ends up being thrown away."

Statistic 19

"Worldwide, 931 million tonnes of food went into the waste bins of households, retailers, restaurants and other food services in 2019."

The staggering statistics presented on food waste highlight a global crisis that has profound social, environmental, and economic implications. From the immense quantities wasted annually to the significant monetary value lost, food waste is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention and action. The data illustrates the inefficiencies in our current food systems, emphasizing the urgent need for coordinated efforts across all levels to reduce waste, mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, and alleviate food insecurity. It is clear that addressing food waste is not just a matter of sustainability, but a critical step towards creating a more equitable and sustainable food future for all.