Meat waste emerges as the costliest burden in global food supply chains
- Editorial Team SDG12
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
A recent joint study by Avery Dennison and the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) has identified meat waste as the single most expensive contributor to global food loss. The 2026 report estimates that the worldwide food waste bill now totals approximately €495 billion, with meat alone responsible for €86 billion of that figure.
The findings point to a growing challenge for retailers and suppliers: meat’s high cost and perishability mean that even minor inefficiencies translate into major financial losses. As global food systems struggle to balance sustainability with profit, tackling meat waste emerges as a critical opportunity for improvement.
Economic strain on retailers
The report found that 72% of supply chain leaders view meat waste as their “primary challenge”. Because of its premium cost and short shelf life, meat has a disproportionate impact on profit margins compared to other categories. During the 2025 holiday season, 67% of retail executives reported that waste within meat inventories had a noticeable effect on earnings.
Inflation has further complicated forecasting, with 74% of retailers saying volatile pricing makes it difficult to predict demand accurately. Overstocking often follows, leading to higher waste levels and shrinking margins. Meanwhile, the rising preference for smaller meat portions and plant-based alternatives continues to reshape buying patterns across major markets.
Gaps in supply chain visibility
Data gaps remain a persistent issue. The study shows that 61% of food organisations lack complete visibility into where waste occurs along the supply chain, and 56% have limited information on losses during transit. This lack of traceability prevents businesses from identifying critical points where intervention could reduce spoilage.
Technology-led solutions
In response, retailers are investing heavily in smart tracking and predictive technologies. Walmart, for example, is piloting RFID sensor systems in refrigerated meat cases to monitor use-by dates in real time and improve stock rotation. At the same time, AI-driven forecasting tools are being deployed to model consumer preferences and optimise ordering decisions under volatile market conditions.
These innovations are reshaping supply chain management, offering a path toward more precise inventory control and lower waste. Analysts suggest that broader adoption of such tools could significantly reduce global losses and improve profitability across the sector.
A step towards sustainable goals
The report’s conclusions align closely with Sustainable Development Goal 12, which calls for responsible consumption and production. Reducing meat waste not only limits financial losses but also lessens the environmental burden of livestock production and waste disposal.
In economic and ecological terms alike, the message is clear: cutting meat waste could be one of the most impactful actions available to retailers and governments seeking sustainable growth. As digital technologies evolve, their integration into food logistics offers a promising route to a more efficient and responsible global food economy.
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