102 Kilograms of Food Goes to Waste Per Person Every Year

Category: ENERGY AGENDA - Date: August 23, 2025

Kaan Sidar, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Turkish Food Industry Employers' Union (TÜGİS), released a statement regarding recent data revealing the extent of food waste in Turkey. Sidar said, “The data showing that 23 million tons of food is wasted annually in our country, with 102 kilograms of food being wasted per person annually, is extremely alarming. In particular, the fact that 35% of produced fruits and vegetables are wasted before they even reach the table demonstrates the need to reexamine supply chain processes.”

Food waste, which continues to increase every year in Turkey, also threatens food sustainability. Kaan Sidar, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Turkish Food Industry Employers' Union (TÜGİS) , made a statement on the issue. He drew attention to the work initiated by the Presidential Agriculture and Food Policies Board to prevent food waste.

23 million tons of food are wasted every year

Kaan Sidar, referring to the latest published data, summarized the current state of waste: "The data showing that 23 million tons of food is wasted annually in Turkey, with 102 kilograms of food being wasted annually per person, is extremely alarming. These figures are not only an economic loss but also a matter of conscience in a world where millions struggle with hunger. In particular, the fact that 35% of the fruits and vegetables produced are wasted before reaching the table demonstrates the need to reexamine supply chain processes."

Support for the fight against waste

Sidar stated that the food industry is one of the most critical actors in the chain from the first link of production to the consumer's table, saying, "Therefore, we are aware that we bear one of the greatest responsibilities in combating food waste. We greatly welcome the national awakening initiative launched by the Presidential Agriculture and Food Policies Board and its work on this issue. As TÜGİS, we stand ready to support these efforts as an employers' union."

Operational processes should be improved

Sidar emphasized the importance of promoting smart technologies that minimize losses in production, storage, and logistics processes as concrete steps to combat food waste, and also emphasized the necessary actions for the public and consumers. He stated, “Education and information campaigns aimed at preventing waste at the household level must be supported, existing food resources must be used more efficiently, and our consumption habits must be reviewed. Furthermore, it is crucial to improve legal regulations and operational processes for distributing surplus food to those in need.”

TÜGİS will continue to raise awareness against waste

Sidar stated that TÜGİS is working to promote more responsible and conscious consumption , particularly food literacy. He said, “Preventing food waste means contributing to our country's economy and leaving a more sustainable food system for future generations. This issue is also the future of our food security and our environment. As TÜGİS, we are discussing the future of food through the Sustainable Food Summit, organized in collaboration with the Sustainability Academy. We are exploring solutions to the problems faced in our sector, especially food waste, and exchanging ideas. Through the TÜGİS Scientific Board, we are sharing with the public the key points to consider regarding access to safe food. We invite all our stakeholders to take responsibility in this common endeavor.”

Published by: Alperen ERTAŞ- [email protected]