In observance of International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste, marked on Monday, ‘Too Good To Go’ highlights that households account for most of the losses (67%), emphasizing the need to support families with information and practical solutions to change daily habits.
This company sells food not consumed in restaurants at a reduced price through the ‘Too Good To Go’ app.
A study by the company, which surveyed 700 people, identified “three critical moments where food waste in households occurs”: purchasing food, food storage, and meal preparation.
Data from the National Statistics Institute shows that 1.93 million tons of food were wasted in 2023, a slight increase of 0.3% compared to 2022.
‘Too Good To Go’ states that many consumers are attracted by promotions (41%) or large packaging sizes (29%).
The data indicates that consumers often buy more food than they can consume before it spoils.
The study further states that not all consumers plan their shopping, with 22% not using shopping lists, 31% making impulse purchases, and 60% buying products “just in case.”
These habits can lead to food accumulation, which is ultimately discarded.
Regarding food storage, 61% of respondents try to organize their food, although many admit not mastering the best preservation methods.
In terms of meal preparation, 32% of consumers find it difficult to estimate portions, about three in ten do not know how to fully utilize food, and 28% cite a lack of time for cooking.
According to ‘Too Good To Go’, 83% of the respondents believe food waste is “a very concerning issue,” and 90% would support a law against waste.
The data suggests that household food waste does not stem from a lack of concern, but from daily habits that can be rethought and changed with practical information and accessible solutions, according to the study.
“There is a strong social and environmental awareness accompanied by a real desire for change,” the company states.
‘Too Good To Go’ contends that solutions to the problem include planning purchases and better utilizing food so that good intentions can translate into everyday habits.
The company also highlighted the need to combat food waste, noting that nearly 40% of all produced food worldwide is never consumed, while 673 million people live in hunger.
Founded in 2016 in Copenhagen, Denmark, ‘Too Good To Go’ aims to combat food waste by providing a solution for unsold food in restaurants, supermarkets, and other establishments.
Since its launch, the company has saved over 450 million meals from waste, equivalent to avoiding more than a million tons of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent).
The app launched in Portugal in October 2019, offering establishment food at prices 30% to 50% lower than the original. It has more than two million users and over 4,000 partners.
‘Too Good To Go’ reports having saved over 6.5 million ‘Surprise Bags’ (unwanted food packages) across the country, equivalent to the emission of 17,500 tons of CO2e, stated the interim director of the company in Portugal, Tiago Figueiredo.
