The latest data reveals that in 2022, each Portuguese citizen wasted 184 kilograms of food, which is an increase from 180.6 kilograms in 2021 and 174.5 kilograms in 2020.
In 2023, Portugal wasted 1.9 million tons of food, with households being the main contributors, accounting for 66.8% of the waste. The commercial and distribution sector was responsible for 12% of the total, restaurants, hotels, and similar establishments for 11.5%, primary production for 6.8%, and the industry for 2.9%.
From 2020 to 2023, there was a general increase in household waste, although a decrease in 2023. Waste in commerce and distribution has consistently risen, while the restaurant sector saw an increase from 2021 to 2022 and a slight rise in 2023.
Data from primary production do not indicate a clear trend, and the industry has been reducing waste.
Portugal has been highlighted as one of the top four food-wasting countries in the European Union. Annually, Europe discards approximately 88 million tons of food.
