Did you know that roughly one-third of all the food produced globally ends up as waste? That’s a mountain of missed opportunities—literally! Food waste starts at farm gate, yet most of it still happens at home.

With bread, milk, apples, bananas, avocados, potatoes leading the way.

But here’s the kicker: As a frontrunner in F&B, you’ve got the power to flip this script! You can lead the change in transforming food waste into profitable growth opportunities. With a new mindset, let’s look into waste reduction and explore how your business can not only be a hero for the planet but also seriously boost your profits.

1. Ugly is the New Beautiful: Up-cycling Unloved Produce
Wonky fruit is becoming a thing in beverages… Lots of brands have turned wonky fruit into value added products. Sweet potatoes going into puffed snacks. Coffee grounds going into energy bars. Fruit with its peel becoming fruit snacks. Carrot pulp going into savory crackers. And the list goes on and on.

So, instead of tossing out those not-so-photogenic fruits and veggies, why not transform them into something utterly delicious? Think what you can do – smoothies, soups, sauces, dips, fermented goods, jams even de-hydrated snacks. It’s a fantastic way to reduce waste and create a unique product story that consumers love!

2. Think Small, Win Big: Mastering Pack Size Magic
Ever noticed how those bigger packs sometimes lead to more leftovers? And at the end, they don’t save consumers any money!

Here’s a bright idea: introduce single-use or smaller pack sizes for products that don’t turn over quickly i.e. sour cream, heavy cream, milk even spices. It’s perfect for reducing waste and caters wonderfully to smaller households or those who love to try new things without the commitment. Just make sure you use sustainable packaging so you don’t create a bigger issue! Small packs, big impact!

3. Mix It Up: Boosting Usage Occasions

Why not inspire your consumers with creative ways to use more of your products? A sauce isn’t just for pasta—it can spice up a stew, marinate a meaty masterpiece, or even dress up a salad. By increasing the usage occasions, you keep your products flying off the shelves and out of the trash!

On pack communication is effective for this. Tell consumers what else they can do with your products. Link them to your social media. Share recipes. Even better you can make a contest out of it! Most creative use of your product wins a prize. It is all about engagement and getting your story across.

4. Wrap It Right: Sustainable Packaging

And speaking of dressing up, let’s talk packaging. Sustainable packaging isn’t just good for the planet—it’s great for business. Show your consumers that you’re serious about sustainability by investing in materials that are as kind to the planet as they are to your products. Plus, it’s a brilliant way to boost your company’s eco-credentials and appeal to the green-hearted consumer.

As a brand, you are always looking to differentiate, right? This is your opportunity.

Walk the Talk. Instead of being a brand that talks about Sustainability, be a brand that actually tackles Food Waste head on.

This will not only captivate eco-conscious consumers, it will also boost your bottom line. It’s not just a win-win; it’s food revolution, packed with fun and bursting with innovation!