Food waste prevention along the food supply chain: A multi-actor approach to identify effective solutions

Abstract

There is a large consensus highlighting the need to prevent the food waste volume along the food supply chain. However, there is currently a lack of understanding as to what the most effective antifood waste measures to be implemented in fact are. The food waste puzzle can be considered from diverse perspectives depending on the stakeholder position on the chain. In view of this, the objective of this paper is to conduct a multi-actor approach to identify the most effective measures to prevent food waste. To do so, we combined in-depth interviews and the Delphi method and applied this to key agents along the food supply chain. The study was conducted in the Barcelona metropolitan region, and a total of 24 key stakeholders participated in the process. We identified 48 measures from the in-depth interviews. The Delphi method was used to evaluate stakeholders' perception of the effectiveness of each measure to prevent food waste and, the consensus and dissensus among the panel. In particular, we found different strong prevention measures, such as the increasing of diet valuation, weak prevention measures, such as building consumer awareness about food waste, and a set of redistribution measures. Finally, we discussed the importance of engaging as diverse a panel of stakeholders as possible when addressing food waste. The paper contributes to the incipient debate on how to examine the impact of multiple and diverse alternatives to food waste prevention.

Losses in the Grain Supply Chain: Causes and Solutions

“…Several methodological approaches can be used to identify household FW. Multivariate statistical techniques (descriptive statistics, principal component analysis, and hierarchical cluster analysis) were conducted to study the similarities and differences-namely the links between the structure of the food supply and the impact of agricultural practices on the environment between EU Member States [25]. Another study performed an exploratory online survey using a questionnaire adapted for studies on FW [24].…”

“…Another study identified measures to combat FW along the food value chain in the metropolitan region of Barcelona and stressed the relevance of more research, since stakeholders oppose the introduction of new regulations and policies. Future research on the impact of new regulation including strong FW prevention measures is needed to reach a consensus and willingness among stakeholders of the food supply chain to implement new policies [25].…”

Proposta de um Modelo Matemático para Distribuição Equitativa de Alimentos entre Entidades Beneficentes

“…Há diversas medidas que auxiliam na prevenção do desperdício alimentar, sejam nacionais, regionais ou locais, de empresas privadas, plataformas públicas ou ONG's, e até campanhas de conscientização do consumidor (DIAZ-RUIZ et al, 2019). Uma das ações para mitigar o desperdício de alimentos é a possibilidade de doá-los para organizações sem fins lucrativos (MURIANA, 2017).…”

Monitoring of Temperature in Retail Refrigerated Cabinets Applying IoT Over Open-Source Hardware and Software

“…The agrifood chain is facing significant new challenges nowadays. Among others, monitoring and controlling temperature along supply chains emerges as a key aspect to deal with food waste [1][2][3], as well as increasing both food safety and the quality offered to consumers [4][5][6].…”