Core Insights - Food waste is a significant and hidden challenge in the global retail supply chain, with economic costs projected to reach $540 billion by 2026, up from $526 billion last year [2][7] - On average, food waste accounts for 33% of total revenues in the food retail supply chain annually [3] - A report by Avery Dennison highlights that 61% of businesses lack full visibility into food waste across their operations, indicating a need for innovation and collaboration [4] Economic Impact - The cumulative cost of food waste from 2025 to 2030 is expected to reach $3.4 trillion, coinciding with the UN's Sustainable Development Goal 12.3 to halve global food waste by 2030 [7] - Meat waste is projected to result in $94 billion in lost output across the global supply chain in 2026, with fresh produce following closely at $88 billion [10] Industry Challenges - 67% of businesses predict that meat waste during the holiday season will noticeably reduce their margins, with 69% stating that managing this issue has become a bigger operational concern [11] - Economic volatility and shifting consumer demands are exacerbating food waste issues, with 74% of retailers admitting inflation complicates demand prediction for fresh meat [12][13] Opportunities for Growth - Over 73% of business leaders view tackling food waste as a growth opportunity, emphasizing the need to address the $540 billion in lost value [14] - The report calls for uncovering blind spots in the supply chain to reduce loss, build resilience, and create lasting value for businesses and the planet [14]