Spain achieves a 4.4% reduction in food waste, equivalent to 1.125 million kilos, in the year 2024.
In 2024, Spain saw a significant reduction in food waste, with a total of 1.125 million kilos or liters wasted, marking a cumulative reduction of almost 20% since 2020. This decrease, amounting to 4.4% compared to 2023, is attributed to a combination of factors.
Households remain the main source of food waste in Spain, accounting for 97.5% of the total. Within the domestic sphere, 77.6% of food waste corresponds to unused products, mainly fruits and vegetables. However, in 2024, households in Spain threw away 48.9 million kilos or liters less than the previous year and 19.5% less than in 2020.
The restaurant and out-of-home consumption sector also registered a significant reduction in food waste in 2024, with 28.03 million kilos or liters wasted, 8.8% less than the previous year. Spanish hospitality reduced food waste by 8.8% in 2024.
Enhanced local food sharing frameworks have played a key role in reducing food waste. Community-driven food sharing networks, such as food waste recovery and redistribution programs, have grown rapidly across Europe, including Spain. These initiatives promote sustainability by recovering surplus food and equitable redistribution, thus directly reducing food waste at the local level.
Strengthened regulatory efforts aligned with EU goals have also contributed to the reduction in food waste. The new law against food waste, approved this year after a long parliamentary process and public debate, mandates all agents in the food chain to implement a prevention plan to identify and reduce critical points where waste is generated. For those who fail to comply, severe penalties, up to 500,000 €, may be imposed in cases of intentional destruction of consumable products.
The new law prioritizes the donation and social use of surplus food, promoting its redistribution rather than disposal. This strategy has allowed companies to donate surpluses with legal certainty and has contributed to responsible practices.
Increased public engagement and awareness campaigns have also played a significant role. Spain and other EU countries have increasingly promoted awareness among consumers and businesses to reduce food waste. Innovations such as extending expiration dates, better demand forecasting, and digital platforms to share food-saving tips also contribute to the reduction in food waste.
Industrial and agricultural efficiency gains have further optimized resource use and reduced food loss from farm to table. Some Spanish food industry players have demonstrated progress in sustainable production, such as rice growers reducing emissions.
In conclusion, Spain's recent decrease in food waste by 4.4% compared to 2023 can be attributed to combined actions of enhanced local food sharing frameworks, strengthened regulatory efforts aligned with EU goals, increased public engagement, and technological and process innovations in the food supply chain.
- The reduction in food waste in Spain has led to a cumulative decrease of nearly 20% since 2020, with households accounting for 97.5% of the total waste.
- Enhanced local food sharing frameworks, such as food waste recovery and redistribution programs, have contributed significantly to reducing food waste in Spain.
- The new law against food waste, approved in 2024, mandates all agents in the food chain to implement a prevention plan to reduce waste, with penalties for non-compliance.
- Spain's focus on donating and socially using surplus food has allowed companies to implement responsible practices and reduce food waste.
- Increased public engagement, awareness campaigns, and technological innovations like extending expiration dates and digital platforms for sharing food-saving tips have also contributed to the reduction in food waste in Spain.
