New food waste monitor for dairy companies

Where is value being lost in the dairy production process? And where are opportunities to manage this more effectively? To answer those questions in practical terms, a new sector-wide monitor is being launched for the dairy sector. The initiative comes from Samen Tegen Voedselverspilling and Wageningen University & Research. The initial focus is on cheese producers. Other dairy product groups will follow in the fall. Participation is free of charge. Registration is open until March 16.

Across the food supply chain, food losses are being measured more frequently. This is not without reason. Measuring shows where processes can be tightened up. It makes clear where waste occurs and where improvement is possible. Targeted measures help limit losses and save raw materials, energy, and costs. The collected data can also be used for reporting purposes, including CSRD.

Joint and uniform measurement

The monitoring program has been set up as a joint approach within the sector. By measuring in the same way across comparable companies, a reliable benchmark is created. Participating companies can see how they perform relative to the sector average. This makes improvement opportunities visible.

Data are submitted via a standardized template. This is done entirely anonymously. All data are processed in anonymized and aggregated form. Confidentiality is a key principle. Results are only shared publicly with the consent of the participants. At this stage, three major parties are already taking part.

Planning and participation

The monitor starts with cheese producers. Registration is possible until March 16. Data can be submitted until the end of April. At the end of May, the results will be presented during a joint online meeting. This session will also include space for inspiration and practical examples.

Dairy companies are explicitly invited to take part. The more participants join, the more reliable the benchmark data will be for the sector. The monitoring program is carried out in collaboration with Wageningen University & Research and is supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature.

Samentegenvoedselverspilling.nl