Food industry accounts for 19% of food waste in Europe

The food and beverage industry generated 19% of European food waste in 2024. The EU generated a total of 57.9 million metric tons that year. That is 0.7% more than a year earlier, according to Eurostat. Households were the largest source of food waste, accounting for 53%.

The EU generated an average of about 129 kilograms of food waste per person. In 2023, the total was 57.5 million metric tons. The figures include both edible and inedible parts of food.

Waste in the food supply chain

The food and beverage industry generated 25 kilograms per person. Primary production accounted for 8% of total food waste. Retail and other food distribution activities together accounted for the same share. For each of these two categories, that amounted to 10 kilograms per person. Together, these three sectors accounted for 35% of all food waste.

Households generated 69 kilograms per person. Restaurants and other food and beverage service providers accounted for 12%. That amounts to 15 kilograms per EU resident.

Estimates for missing data

Data for 2024 are unavailable for Bulgaria, Germany, and Romania. Eurostat used the most recent figures available for these countries. The EU estimate therefore covers all member states.

The EU Waste Framework Directive requires annual reporting on food waste. Member states report by sector and separately on household food waste. A uniform measurement method and minimum quality requirements apply.

Ec.europa.eu