102 Kilograms of Food Per Person Wasted Annually

Food waste in Turkey increases every year, also threatening food sustainability. Kaan Sidar, Chairman of the Board of the Turkish Food Industrialists' Association (TÜGIS), drew attention to the work initiated by the Presidency's Agriculture and Food Policies Board to prevent food waste.

Kaan Sidar, Chairman of the Board of the Turkish Food Industrialists' Association (TÜGIS), made a statement regarding data that has recently come to the fore and reveals the scale of food waste in Turkey. Sidar said, "The data indicating that 23 million tonnes of food are wasted annually in our country and that 102 kilograms of food per capita per year goes to waste are extremely concerning. Particularly, the fact that 35% of produced fruits and vegetables are wasted before reaching tables shows that we need to reconsider the processes in the supply chain."

23 million tonnes of food wasted annually!
Referring to recently published data, Kaan Sidar summarized the extent of waste: "The data indicating that 23 million tonnes of food are wasted annually in our country and that 102 kilograms of food per capita per year goes to waste are extremely concerning. These figures are, beyond being an economic loss, a moral issue in a world where there are millions of people fighting hunger. Particularly, the fact that 35% of produced fruits and vegetables are wasted before reaching tables shows that we need to reconsider the processes in the supply chain."
"Support for the fight against waste"

Noting that the food industry is one of the critical actors in the chain from the first stage of production to the consumer's table, Sidar stated, "For this reason, we are aware that we bear one of the greatest responsibilities in fighting food waste. We welcome with great satisfaction the national awakening initiative launched by the Presidency's Agriculture and Food Policies Board and its work on this issue. As TÜGIS, we are ready to provide support to these efforts as an employers' union."

"Operational processes must be improved"
Emphasizing the importance of promoting smart technologies that will minimize losses in production, storage and logistics processes in the fight against food waste, Sidar also highlighted what needs to be done by the public and consumers. Sidar stated, "Support must be provided for education and awareness campaigns to prevent waste at the household level, existing food resources must be used more efficiently, and our consumption habits must be reviewed. Additionally, improving legal regulations and operational processes in delivering surplus food to those in need is important."

TÜGIS will continue to raise awareness against waste
Noting that TÜGIS carries out work for more responsible and conscious consumption, particularly in food literacy, Sidar said, "Preventing food waste means contributing to our country's economy and leaving a more sustainable food system for future generations. This matter is also about our food security and the future of our environment. As TÜGIS, through the Sustainable Food Summit that we organize together with the Sustainability Academy, we are putting the future of food on the agenda. We are seeking solutions to the problems our sector faces, particularly food waste, and exchanging ideas. Through the TÜGIS Scientific Board, we are sharing with the public the matters that need attention in accessing safe food. We invite all our stakeholders to take responsibility in this common struggle."