How can you reduce food waste in a bakery?

1 Plan your production

One of the key steps to reduce food waste in a bakery is to plan your production carefully, based on your sales data, customer feedback, and seasonal trends. You should avoid overproducing items that are not popular or have a low profit margin, and adjust your recipes and quantities according to the expected demand. You can also use forecasting tools or software to help you optimize your production schedule and inventory levels.

2 Purchase smartly

Another way to reduce food waste in a bakery is to purchase your ingredients smartly, by choosing quality suppliers, negotiating prices and delivery terms, and ordering only what you need. You should also check your inventory regularly and use the FIFO (first in, first out) method to rotate your stock and use the oldest items first. Additionally, you should inspect your deliveries and reject any damaged or spoiled goods that could affect your product quality or safety.

3 Store properly

Proper storage is essential to reduce food waste in a bakery, as it can extend the shelf life of your ingredients and products, and prevent spoilage, contamination, or pest infestation. You should follow the best practices for storing different types of ingredients, such as flour, eggs, dairy, fruits, nuts, and chocolate, and use appropriate containers, labels, and temperatures. You should also store your finished products in airtight packaging or display cases, and monitor their freshness and appearance.

4 Donate or sell surplus

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you may end up with surplus products that you cannot sell or use the next day. Instead of throwing them away, you can donate or sell them at a discounted price to local charities, food banks, shelters, or other organizations that can benefit from your generosity. This way, you can reduce food waste in a bakery, while also supporting your community and enhancing your reputation.

5 Compost or recycle leftovers

Even if you donate or sell your surplus products, you may still have some leftovers, such as trimmings, crusts, crumbs, or stale bread. Instead of sending them to the landfill, you can compost or recycle them in various ways. For example, you can compost your organic waste and use it as fertilizer for your garden or plants, or you can recycle your bread into breadcrumbs, croutons, bread pudding, or other recipes.

6 Train your staff

Finally, one of the most important steps to reduce food waste in a bakery is to train your staff on the best practices and policies for waste management and sustainability. You should educate your staff on how to plan, purchase, store, donate, sell, compost, or recycle your ingredients and products, and how to measure and monitor your food waste. You should also motivate your staff to follow your guidelines and reward them for their efforts and achievements.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?