EFWA LEADER FRANCESCA GOODMAN-SMITH RELEASES GROUNDBREAKING REPORT ON UPCYCLED FOOD SECTOR

Francesca Goodman-Smith, a prominent leader in the End Food Waste Australia (EFWA) organisation and a distinguished expert in food waste, has unveiled a comprehensive report shedding light on the burgeoning realm of upcycled food. Titled “Upcycled Food,” the report delves into the transformative process of repurposing food that would otherwise be discarded into innovative new products.

The concept of ‘upcycling food’ has been quietly evolving across the food supply chain for years. Prior to 2019, individual brands and companies grappled with how to communicate their efforts in repurposing ingredients destined for waste into viable products. Some embraced this movement while others struggled to convey its significance to consumers.

Notably, upcycling food aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12.3 (SDG 12.3), which aims to halve per capita global food waste by 2030. Goodman-Smith’s research, funded by the prestigious Peter Mitchell Churchill Fellowship, sought to engage with global experts and propel Australia’s upcycled food sector forward.

Travelling around the United States of America, United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Portugal, and France over an eight-week period, Goodman-Smith engaged with 14 companies, 11 research and sector support organisations, and three policy entities. Her immersion in various food waste events, including the 2023 ReFED Food Waste Solutions Summit, yielded invaluable insights and strategic recommendations for the sector’s advancement.

Among the report’s key findings are insights gleaned from leading upcycled food companies, opportunities to introduce an upcycled food certification to Australia, the pivotal role of research and innovation, and policy recommendations to bolster the sector’s growth.

Upcycling, the process of repurposing food waste into new products, offers multifaceted benefits for businesses, the environment, and society at large. Despite its potential, navigating the transformation of Australia’s substantial annual food waste of 7.6 million tonnes remains a challenge. Notably, iconic Australian products like ‘Vegemite’ exemplify early pioneers of upcycled food, utilising spent brewer’s yeast to create a beloved spread. With Australian examples of upcycled foods growing, including EFWA supported Rescue Pops by Montague Fresh, I am Grounded coffee fruit bars and NutriV vegetable snacks, we are beginning to seize the global upcycled food opportunity, projected to reach USD97 bn by 2031.

The upcycled food movement has gained momentum in recent years, driven by businesses committed to a circular food system and growing consumer demand for sustainable choices. In fact, consumer awareness of upcycled foods is on the rise, with surveys indicating up to 85% awareness among respondents.

As part of the report seven key recommendations were developed for Australia: 

  1. Adopt a food waste hierarchy including upcycling. 
  2. Form an upcycling community/network. 
  3. Adopt shared terminology for upcycling. 
  4. Identify opportunities for upcycling at every stage of the food supply chain. 
  5. Foster partnerships between large food companies and upcycled food companies. 
  6. Educate consumers about upcycling and the links to environment/ climate change. 
  7. Adopt an upcycled food certification. 

Goodman-Smith’s groundbreaking report marks a pivotal moment in Australia’s journey towards a more sustainable food system. With its release, the stage is set for collaborative efforts across industries to embrace innovation in food loss and waste in the lead up to this year’s National Food Waste Summit in Melbourne on 24 and 25 July.

The Peter Mitchell Churchill Fellowship to motivate Australian businesses to innovate and become world-leaders in the upcycled food sector.

A full copy of the report is available here.

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NATIONAL FOOD WASTE SUMMIT

Francesca Goodman-Smith will be joining other leading international and national experts at the 2024 National Food Waste Summit in Melbourne on 24 and 25 July. The National Food Waste Summit is a milestone event in Australia’s journey to halve its food waste by 2030. Attended by representatives from across industry, research, and government, the summit explores the collaborative planning, strategy and action required to meet this country’s challenging – but achievable – food waste reduction goal.

Click here for more information.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES

EFWA Media Team via communication@endfoodwaste.com.au