Food Waste in Türkiye: 1 in 4 Items Lost – A Global Concern
- A new report from the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ITO) highlights the significant economic impact of food waste in Türkiye, linking it directly to the country's high inflation...
- Türkiye's food waste problem is substantial, with approximately 25% of all food produced going to waste, exceeding the global average of 20% according to the Food and Agriculture...
- Özer emphasized that despite Türkiye's strong agricultural production potential, a pervasive mindset of abundance contributes to significant waste.
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Türkiye’s Food waste Crisis Fuels Inflation, ITO Report reveals
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A new report from the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ITO) highlights the significant economic impact of food waste in Türkiye, linking it directly to the country’s high inflation rates. The findings underscore a critical need for systemic change in production, distribution, and consumption habits.
The scale of Food Waste in Türkiye
Türkiye’s food waste problem is substantial, with approximately 25% of all food produced going to waste, exceeding the global average of 20% according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). This figure was revealed by Ahmet Özer, Vice President of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ITO), during a statement concerning studies conducted by the ITO Food specialization Committee.
Özer emphasized that despite Türkiye’s strong agricultural production potential, a pervasive mindset of abundance contributes to significant waste. This waste isn’t merely a loss of edible food; it represents a broader loss of national wealth and wasted resources.
“We are a country that obtains 60-70 percent of its energy from abroad,” Özer stated. “When you throw away food, you throw away not only the product, but also the energy and water spent on growing and transporting that product.”
The Inflation-Waste Connection: A Mathematical Reality
A key finding of the ITO report is the direct correlation between high food waste and high inflation in Türkiye. Özer asserts this connection isn’t coincidental but a “mathematical reality.” The logic is straightforward: wasting food reduces the effective supply, driving up prices for the remaining available products.This is particularly acute in Türkiye, given its reliance on imported energy for agricultural production.
the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat) reported an annual inflation rate of 64.77% in July 2023 according to official data, highlighting the urgency of addressing factors contributing to price increases.
To illustrate the impact on individual households, Özer used a relatable example: “Imagine that you are making a cake at home. If you throw one-fifth or one-fourth of this cake directly into the garbage without anyone eating it, you are essentially throwing away the money you spent on the ingredients.”
Breakdown of Food Waste by Sector
While the ITO report doesn’t provide a detailed sector-by-sector breakdown,studies from other sources offer insights into where food waste occurs most frequently. Generally,food waste happens at all stages of the supply chain:
| Stage of Supply Chain | Estimated Waste Percentage (Global Average) | Potential Contributing Factors |
|---|---|---|
| agricultural Production | ~30-40% | Spoilage during harvest,damage during transport,quality standards. |
| Processing & Packaging | ~20-30% | Inefficient processing,trimming losses,packaging defects. |
| Distribution & Retail | ~10-20% | Overstocking, cosmetic standards, expiration dates. |