3.27 million tonnes of food wasted in the UAE every year

Abu Dhabi: It is estimated that nearly 3.27 million tonnes of food worth more than Dh13 billion produced and imported in the UAE is wasted every year, according to Massar Solutions, a government-owned transport company that offers vehicle rental, fleet and supply chain solutions.

The figures were released in light of the growing efforts around reducing food wastage to help resolve many of the sustainability challenges faced by the food industry.

According to a UN study, 32.7 per cent of food produced globally is wasted each year.

With over 10 million tonnes of food being mobilized within the UAE per year, including imports and local production, it is estimated that 3.27 million tonnes of food is wasted in the UAE, enough to fill 136,250 trucks.

The transport company further estimates that a truck load of food is worth on average Dh100,000, meaning that the annual cost of food waste in the UAE is a staggering Dh13.6 billion.

"The figures speak for themselves, and highlight the need for the industry to look at responsibly reducing food waste throughout the supply chain process," Brent Melvin, Massar's General Manager of Supply Chain Solutions said.

He said although some element of waste cannot be prevented, reducing its scale will deliver significant economic, social and environmental benefits.

"F&B fleet operators play a critical role here, just as much as production and distribution companies. We have some of the best transport infrastructure in the UAE. However, there is an urgent need to increase the level of efficiency of F&B fleets and logistics operations. This can be achieved by adopting innovative solutions and technologies that can help ensure the quality of food is maintained right up to final delivery,” he said.

"Around 5 per cent of the food loss can be reduced through intelligent logistics, which includes real-time checks and proper drivers training," Brent added.

Last month, Massar acquired 20 GORICA designed Krone Reefer Body Semi Trailers in a move to modernise its growing supply chain business. The 15-metre-long semi-trailers feature a state-of-the-art telematic system that allows Massar and its customers to gain deeper insight and visibility into fleet operations. This includes engine and driver performance, trailer temperature and payload condition, door openings, tyre pressure, travel time, and route progress. In case of irregularities, fluctuations or unexpected events, an immediate alert is sent directly to the via SMS, e-mail, or a popup window in a computer.

According to recent findings, between 20-30 per cent of the trucks and delivery wagons supplying food stuff are needed to be equipped with the telematics technology.

haseeb@khaleejtimes.com