GRID-Arendal Annual Report 2014

This graphic shows how much food is lost and wasted in the world every year. It breaks down the data by region and shows that losses on the way to market (production to retail) are higher in the developing world. However, in wealthier countries more food is wasted after it is purchased (consumption). A joint study with UNEP, Food Wasted, Food Lost, argued that ecosystem degradation is a major cause of loss in potential food production, while human practices and preferences are blamed not only for food loss but also food waste. The report called for better management and restoration of food producing ecosystems.

Europe

Per capita food loss and waste Kilogrammes per year

North America and Oceania

Industrialized Asia

North Africa, West and Central Asia

50 100 150 200 250 300 350

Consumption

Production to retail

0

South and Southern Asia

Latin America

Sub-Saharan Africa

Fish

146 46

Cereals

2 404

Meat

264 49

707

767

Oil crops and pulses

97

116

551

Dairy products

664

346

Fruits and vegetables

798

1 644

Roots and tubers

Total production

6 574

Production

Total food production volume and food loss and waste Million tonnes

Loss and waste

10