Only a small percentage of food is wasted from supermarkets

Just 1.3% of all food waste comes from the grocery retail industry new figures have revealed. 

The figures using data from seven major supermarkets and collated by WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme) show that in 2013 a small percentage came from the retail sector. Of the 15 million tonnes of food waste thrown away each year half is generated in the home rather than from supermarkets.

The figures form part of the British Retail Consortium’s (BRC) annual progress report on its A Better Retailing Climate programme. WRAP estimates grocery retailers and manufacturers reduced food and drink waste by 10% between 2007 and 2012.

Reducing food waste

Andrew Opie, Director of Food and Sustainability at the BRC, said: “Our members are pleased to introduce new levels of transparency into the supply chain and today’s figures tell a positive story about the vast efforts grocery retailers have made to reduce their food waste.”

The BRC says retailers have been working to help customers reduce household food waste, offering advice and introducing innovative packaging to keep food fresher for longer.

Supermarkets have also been working with farmers and producer groups to tackle food waste and losses in agriculture and reviewing ways to improve storage and transportation.

Big retailers sign up to climate initiative

The seven retailers signed up to the BRC’s A Better Retailing Climate initiative include Asda and Waitrose, as well as DS Smith clients the Co-operative Food, M&S, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and Tesco and make up 87.3% of the UK grocery market.

These retailers have agreed voluntary targets on food and packaging waste through WRAP’s Courtauld Commitments.