Measuring and reducing food waste along the supply chain: evidence from Italy

This paper illustrates a case study methodology that supports the analysis of food waste along the food supply chain. Since the research takes the perspective of food security, albeit bounded to an advanced economy, questionnaires are designed to elicit information about surplus food, its causes, food waste defined as surplus food that is not redistributed, redistribution processes and associated costs. The on-field collection of qualitative and quantitative follows an iterative sampling logic. The second part of the paper presents the results obtained from two samples of Italian manufacturers, distributors and food service providers (94 and 24 enterprises). Surplus food and food waste rates are shown to be relatively small in manufacturing (respectively 0.4% and 0.2% of the output volume), mild in distribution (2.5% and 2.3%), and larger in food service (6.4% and 5.6%). Costs for food redistribution are compared with the value of redistributed food and the costs for waste management. Redistribution is likely to be an efficient option in a food security perspective, because redistribution costs are shown to be smaller than the value of redistributed food. However, a challenge is posed to policymakers, because the waste management option could be more cost-effective for food service and, to a lesser extent, for distribution. We conclude that a clear claim on the scope of food waste analysis is essential, and the Italian food supply chain has an unexploited potential for redistribution actions. Finally, knowledge of food waste costs is necessary to make sound policy and management decisions in this area.