Bakery sector reduces bread waste by 40% in 2023

The Dutch Bakery Association (NVB), together with Wageningen University & Research, has presented the results of the 2023 monitor on bread and pastry waste. The report reveals a significant decrease in the return flow of unsold bread from supermarkets, mainly due to improved agreements and proactive policies within the supply chain.

Reduction in bread return flows

The monitor shows that the amount of unsold bread returning from supermarkets to bakeries has significantly decreased. In 2020, 8% of outgoing bread volume was returned, but by 2023, this figure had dropped to 4.7%. This marks a reduction of over 40%. The bread that is returned is mostly processed into animal feed, a sustainable solution according to the Moerman Ladder. However, preventing this return flow remains a key objective.

Challenges in the pastry sector

While bread waste has clearly decreased, there has been a slight increase in waste from pastry products. In 2023, the waste percentage rose from 3.5% to 4.3%. The NVB sees this as an opportunity for improvement and aims to further increase coverage in the pastry sector.

The monitor’s results offer valuable insights for businesses looking to take further steps in reducing food waste. The NVB and its members continue to work towards more efficient production and better alignment of production volumes with market demand.

Nedverbak.nl