Greece's Food Waste Crisis: A Growing Concern

Greece ranks as the third-highest food waster in the European Union, with each resident discarding an average of 201 kilograms (kg) of food annually in 2023. This figure is significantly higher than the EU average of 130 kg per capita. The total food waste in Greece reached over 2.09 million tonnes, with households contributing 44.3% of this waste, amounting to approximately 926,509 tonnes. The remaining waste originated from the food supply chain, including manufacturing, primary production, food service, and retail sectors.

Greece ranks 3rd with over 2 million tons of food wasteGreece and Cyprus are Top EU Food WastersGreek Food is Great But Greeks Throw 2 Million Tons AwayLatvia wastes about as much food as European Union average

Despite the high quality of Greek cuisine, a substantial portion of food goes uneaten. The Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) reports that 7% of the population faces moderate to severe food insecurity, highlighting a paradox where food waste coexists with food scarcity. The increase in food waste has prompted the European Union to implement a directive requiring member states to reduce food waste by 10% in processing and manufacturing and by 30% per capita in retail and consumption by 2030.

Greece and Cyprus are Top EU Food WastersGreece ranks 3rd with over 2 million tons of food wasteGreek Food is Great But Greeks Throw 2 Million Tons AwayLatvia wastes about as much food as European Union average

In 2023, the breakdown of food waste in Greece was as follows:

Greece and Cyprus are Top EU Food Wasters

• Households: 44% (approximately 926,509 tonnes)

Greek Food is Great But Greeks Throw 2 Million Tons Away

• Manufacturing Sector: 23% (485,336 tonnes)

Greek Food is Great But Greeks Throw 2 Million Tons Away

• Primary Production: 11.4% (238,604 tonnes)

Greek Food is Great But Greeks Throw 2 Million Tons Away

• Food Service: 11.31% (236,663 tonnes)

Latvia wastes about as much food as European Union average

• Retail Trade/Distribution: 9.77%

Greek Food is Great But Greeks Throw 2 Million Tons Away

This distribution indicates that households alone are responsible for an annual per capita waste of 89 kg, while combined primary production and processing contribute 70 kg per capita, and food service and retail account for 43 kg per capita.

Greece ranks 3rd with over 2 million tons of food wasteGreek Food is Great But Greeks Throw 2 Million Tons AwayLatvia wastes about as much food as European Union averageSlovenia in 2021 with the smallest amounts of food waste per capita in the EU

The EU as a whole generated 58.2 million tonnes of food waste in 2023, with households being the largest contributors at 53% of the total. Cyprus and Denmark lead the EU in per capita food waste, with 286 kg and 261 kg, respectively. In contrast, Slovenia recorded the lowest per capita waste at 78 kg, emphasizing the significant disparities in food waste management across member states.

Greece ranks 3rd with over 2 million tons of food wasteGreece and Cyprus are Top EU Food WastersLatvia wastes about as much food as European Union averageGreek Food is Great But Greeks Throw 2 Million Tons Away

The persistent issue of food waste in Greece has faced criticism for its slow progress in addressing the problem. Public awareness campaigns and educational initiatives are not as comprehensive as those in leading EU countries. The focus on food waste has historically been limited, often framed as a humanitarian issue rather than an environmental or economic one.

Greece and Cyprus are Top EU Food Wasters

The recent EU directive aims to tackle food waste more aggressively, reflecting a growing recognition of its environmental impact. The directive's implementation poses challenges for Greece, where food waste has been on the rise. Achieving the set targets will require significant changes in consumer behavior and industry practices.

Greece and Cyprus are Top EU Food Wasters

• “Eurostat data released on Thursday shows Greece has the third-highest food waste rate per capita among European Union member states.” — Eurostat

Greece ranks 3rd with over 2 million tons of food waste

• “That’s despite the country’s statistics agency ELSTAT saying that 7 percent of the country’s population faces moderate or severe food insecurity.” — ELSTAT

Greek Food is Great But Greeks Throw 2 Million Tons Away

• “The directive requires member states to reduce food waste by 10% in processing and manufacturing and by 30% per capita in retail trade and consumption – including restaurants, food service enterprises, and households – by 2030.” — EU Directive

Greece ranks 3rd with over 2 million tons of food waste

As Greece grapples with its food waste crisis, the focus will shift towards implementing the EU directive and enhancing public awareness initiatives. The success of these efforts will be crucial in addressing both food waste and food insecurity in the country.

Greece and Cyprus are Top EU Food Wasters