How Industries Can Contribute to the Fight Against Food Waste

In today's fast-paced world, food waste has become an alarming issue, that exacerbates environmental problems and food insecurity. As we mark the International Day of Awareness on Food Loss and Waste Reduction, it's crucial to highlight the role industries can play in addressing this challenge.

Today Flavia Escobar, our Product Development & Application Manager, dives into some strategies businesses can adopt.

Embracing Advanced Technologies:

The integration of technology in the food industry can significantly reduce waste. Here's how:

• IoT Devices: Internet of Things (IoT) devices can monitor the conditions of stored food, ensuring optimal temperature and humidity levels, thus reducing spoilage.
• AI and Machine Learning: These technologies can predict demand more accurately, helping businesses produce only what's needed and reduce overproduction.
• Blockchain: By providing a transparent supply chain, blockchain can help track food from farm to fork, ensuring accountability and reducing losses.

Strategic Suppliers Selection

Choosing the right suppliers is crucial. Businesses should:

• Opt for suppliers who practice sustainable farming and have efficient transportation systems.
• Improve the transportation time and, consequently, the chances of food spoilage.
• Ensure suppliers adhere to best practices in harvesting, packaging, and transporting to minimize damage and loss.

Improving Storage Facilities

A significant amount of food is lost due to poor storage. Industries can:

• Invest in modern storage facilities with controlled environments.
• Use smart storage solutions that adjust conditions based on the type of food stored.
• Train staff on best practices for food storage, ensuring that perishables are handled correctly.

Enhancing Labeling Clarity

Misunderstanding labels is a common reason consumers waste food. To address this:

• Differentiate between "Use By" (safety indication) and "Best Before" (quality indication) dates.
• Use QR codes on packaging to provide consumers with more information about storage and recipe ideas for nearing-expiry products.
• Educate consumers on what labels mean, perhaps through in-store campaigns or online platforms.

Extending Shelf Life

Increasing the longevity of food products can significantly reduce waste:

• Invest in natural ingredients that can extend the life of products without compromising on taste or health.
• Use modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) to prolong the freshness of perishable items.
• Encourage the consumption of frozen foods, which can retain their nutritional value for longer and reduce the urgency of consumption.

Making the Most of Every Orange at Evera

At Evera, we ensure that every part of the fruit is put to good use, from the zest to the pulp. By enhancing the use of our raw material, we maximize the value derived from each orange and set a benchmark for minimizing waste.

Our commitment it's about respecting our natural resources, and ensuring that nothing goes to waste. After all, in every orange lies not just juice but a promise - a promise of sustainability, responsibility, and a brighter, waste-free future.

Let's make every day a day of awareness of food loss and waste reduction. Join Evera in making a difference.