Food waste down by 20% in 2024

Food waste in the Netherlands dropped by nearly 20% in 2024. This is highlighted in the impact report by Stichting Samen Tegen Voedselverspilling. Yet, according to director Toine Timmermans, more effort is needed to reach the target of 50% less food waste by 2030. “Tackling food waste is a no-regret option: it brings benefits financially, ecologically, and socially,” says Timmermans.

Supermarkets and Industry Achieve Major Results

Dutch supermarkets have played a key role in this reduction. In 2023, just 0.89% of the purchase volume was wasted—a 35% drop compared to 2018. Significant improvements were made in bread and pastry, meat, and fish. The number of unsold bread returns fell by 40%, while losses of fresh meat and fish more than halved. Other sectors also reported strong results: in the potato processing industry, 96.6% of potatoes were used as food or animal feed. In fruit and vegetables, waste rates stood at 1.3% for fruiting vegetables and 3.7% for exotic fruits.

Consumer Behaviour Remains Key

Campaigns like the Verspillingsvrije Week, which saw participation from over 4 million Dutch citizens this year, play a vital role in raising awareness. Practical innovations also make a difference: using ‘Eerst op tape’ resulted in an average waste reduction of 28%. Still, there’s room for improvement. At business lunches, 21% of food goes uneaten, and at company gatherings, 40% of drinks remain untouched.

Samen Tegen Voedselverspilling stresses that further reduction is possible through stronger supply chain collaboration, the use of technology, and raising consumer awareness. With these efforts, the Netherlands stays on track to halve food waste by 2030.

View the 2024 impact report