Factsheet: Food waste in EU

Food waste is a major environmental and socio-economic issue across the EU. In 2022, the world generated ~1.05 billion tonnes of food waste (60% households, 28% food services, 12% retail). In the EU, annual waste exceeds 58 million tonnes (131 kg per capita) with an estimated market value of €132 billion. Within the EU breakdown, households account for 54% (70 kg per capita), followed by manufacturing (21%, 28 kg), primary production (9%, 11 kg), food services (9%, 12 kg), and retail (7%, 9 kg). Cutting waste can lower GHG emissions, conserve resources, and improve food security along the entire supply chain.