What was once the grocery industry’s dirty little secret is now under the spotlight of consumer scrutiny—food retailers waste food.
Consumer demand for ethical products certainly makes waste reduction a loyalty concern for grocers, but the financial repercussions can be staggering. In a study sponsored by RELEX Solutions, Atlanta, grocers reported an average $70 million lost each year to fresh food spoilage, with larger companies reporting several hundred millions of dollars in losses. That same study finds the root of the problem often lies in poor supply chain practices.