Food Waste: A Major Brake on the Global Economy
Far from being just an environmental issue, food waste has become a significant obstacle to the global economy. What we throw away represents not only waste but also an immense value that evaporates, impacting both distribution giants and family budgets.
According to the study "Making the Invisible Visible," the global cost of waste is expected to reach $540 billion by 2026. For distribution companies, this represents an average of one-third (33%) of their revenue.
Where are the losses?
The most expensive products to produce are also the most wasted: meat tops the list ($94 billion), followed closely by fresh products and prepared meals.
Why is so much lost?
The problem is structural. More than half of companies point to poor inventory management and complete opacity about what happens during transportation.
The Tunisian Paradox
In Tunisia, the situation is particularly striking. While the country relies heavily on imports to feed itself, waste weighs heavily on the national economy.
Shocking figure:
Each Tunisian throws away approximately 172 kg of food per year. On a national scale, this represents a loss of 910 million dinars for households in 2021.
Bread and cereals are the first products to be sacrificed, even though they are at the heart of the country's food security.
The tourism sector:
According to the FAO, Tunisia ranks third in the Arab world for waste in restaurants (16%) and hotels (12%) in 2024, a statistic that calls for urgent reform of practices in the hospitality industry.
Towards Concrete Solutions
In the face of this situation, it's time for action. Reducing waste has become a lever for resilience and profitability.
Technology and traceability:
The use of digital tools to track products in real-time allows for transforming these losses into "measurable value."
Local initiatives:
In Tunis and La Goulette, projects led by the FAO and young innovators are betting on the circular economy to transform the urban food system.
Behavioral change:
Beyond the numbers, a collective awareness is necessary. Reducing waste directly gives citizens more purchasing power and protects the country's natural resources.
By adopting a more responsible approach to food consumption and production, we can reduce waste, promote sustainability, and contribute to a more resilient economy.
