In agricultural production, both market and natural factors leads to waste. Pest infestation, incorrect storage, storms, overproduction, bottlenecks in logistics, but also transactions on the stock exchange are some of the causes.
Criteria of marketability lead to the disposal of many products in wholesale and retail trade. Incorrect storage, transport damage, hygiene and product regulations must also be mentioned at this point. These factors also have an effect in the catering trade. There, an incalculable demand and the definition of portions are added.
We as consumers often lack awareness of food waste, but also of the resource and energy consumption of production and disposal. By the way, in private households most food is thrown away because of the expired best-before date. The quantity planning of portions and purchasing are to be mentioned in second and third place. On the website of the German Agro Action there are also many tips on how to avoid and reduce food waste.
Haller, L. (2020). Lebensmittelverschwendung | Ursachen & Fakten. Welthungerhilfe. https://www.welthungerhilfe.de/lebensmittelverschwendung/