According to a recent paper titled ‘Tackling Food Waste In The GCC Grocery Market,’ it was revealed that the food wastage levels in the region surpassed those of many developed economies. Yes, it was mentioned in the report by Oliver Wyman that the GCC region, on average, saw food waste of 14% higher than the global average. However, despite the report, the UAE has remained committed towards reducing waste through several initiatives. Here’s more on this food-related development.
GCC Food Wastage 14% Higher Than Global Average
The food wastage in GCC remains higher than the global average by 14%. Yes, on average, 150 KG per capita of food was recorded from the GCC region as compared to the global average of 132 KG. As revealed in the paper, the food wastage level in the GCC surpassed those of many developed economies, such as the European Union, by 38% and nearly doubled the per capita waste of Japan.
Although retail food waste generally accounts for only 5%, as compared to the 15% of the total waste in most countries, in GCC, this is 38% more. It was also mentioned that the retail sector in the GCC wasted about 1.3 million tonnes of food in 2022. This corresponds to an annual loss of $4-7 billion. It is enough to provide Iftar meals for 70% of Muslims around the world throughout the month of Ramadan.
Also Read: Dubai Is The Fourth Most Popular Food Destination On Social Media!
UAE Actively Trying To Reduce Wastage
Despite what the statistics say, the UAE has remained committed towards achieving the United Nations sustainable goal of 12.3% by reducing food loss and waste. They are doing so by reducing the same by 50% by 2030. Moreover, it is also leading the regional movement through several collaborative initiatives, such as those of ne’ma, which is the National Food Loss and Waste Initiative. ne’ma has partnered with the Taste of Dubai to enhance the reduction efforts of food waste in the UAE event industry. During the 2024 event in Abu Dhabi, ne’ma diverted 310 KG of food waste from landfills. Moreover, 775 KG of CO2 emissions were prevented, and 62 KG of compost was generated.
Restaurants also systematically track food waste data through digital monitoring tools and staff logs, as revealed in the report by Khaleej Times. Culinary teams creatively transform leftovers and surplus items into new menu components. Moreover, the final destination for waste is the new way to energy plant facility, which was introduced by the Dubai Municipality. It aims to help the service partners by systematically tracking food waste data through digital monitoring tours and staff logs.
Moreover, several restaurants are doing their bit individually to avoid any excess inventory. They are all introducing special menus where surplus ingredients are being used. With a conscious effort to reduce waste, restaurants in the UAE are truly working towards reducing their share in the wastage of food globally.
Cover Image Courtesy:
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.