Combatting Global Food Waste
Retailers and Communities Worldwide Implement Strategies to Combat Growing Food Waste
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Netto said it sold about 786 tonnes of irregularly shaped produce in 2025 and uses plant-based Apeel coatings on some fruits and vegetables to extend shelf life.
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Netto reported that at least 90% of its stores donate surplus edible food to local charities, continuing a food-bank partnership that began in 2007.
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DIE UMWELTBERATUNG advises using a “first in, first out” approach—placing newly bought groceries behind older supplies—and says dairy products may still be edible after their date label, so consumers can check them by sight, smell and taste.
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OTACCWA estimated Nigeria’s 2025 post-harvest food losses caused economic losses of about N3.5 trillion to N5 trillion, in addition to the estimated 30 million to 40 million tonnes lost.
Food waste costs billions and fuels hunger and pollution worldwide. Major retailers and communities are now fighting back with smarter stocking, cold-chain upgrades, and donation programs to keep edible food in use. Woolworths in South Africa, Netto in Germany, and advocates in Nigeria are all deploying new tactics to cut waste across supply chains and households.
Netto hit a major milestone by cutting operational waste 30% below its 2023 baseline, while OTACCWA estimates Nigeria lost 30 million to 40 million metric tonnes of food to post-harvest damage in 2025 alone—a waste worth roughly N3.5 trillion to N5 trillion in economic losses. Simple household steps like checking supplies first and storing foods properly can also make a real difference.
Germany's Retailer Cuts Waste Nearly One-Third
Netto used data-driven inventory planning, discounts on ripe produce, and longer-lasting coatings to slash waste. The retailer sold 786 tonnes of oddly-shaped fruits and vegetables in 2025 and applied plant-based Apeel coatings to extend shelf life on select items. At least 90% of Netto stores donate surplus edible food to local food banks—a partnership running since 2007.
South Africa and Nigeria Strengthen Cold Chains
Woolworths South Africa is working with suppliers to prevent waste before it starts. The retailer uses cold-chain controls, smarter stocking, and better packaging to keep food fresh longer. It also recovers discarded fats for biodiesel—turning waste into fuel.
In Nigeria, post-harvest losses remain catastrophic. OTACCWA warns that crumbling cold-chain infrastructure causes 30 million to 40 million tonnes of food to rot annually. Advocates are pushing for major investment in refrigeration and storage networks to stop the losses at their source.
Home Kitchens: Small Steps, Big Impact
Households waste food daily, but simple habits help. DIE UMWELTBERATUNG advises using a 'first in, first out' method—put new groceries behind older ones so older items get used first. Check your fridge and pantry before shopping to avoid buying duplicates.
Date labels often mislead consumers into throwing away good food. DIE UMWELTBERATUNG says dairy products may still be safe after the date. Inspect items by sight, smell, and taste before discarding. A Massachusetts waste district is promoting reusable food-storage containers to cut waste and save money at the checkout.
Global Standard Emerges for Food-Loss Prevention
BSI and ISO recently published BS ISO 20001—the first worldwide management system standard for preventing and minimizing food loss and waste. The standard applies to any business in the supply chain, from farms to retailers. It gives companies a common framework to measure and cut waste systematically across regions and sectors.
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