NEWS STORY: THAT’S A WRAP – 2024 NATIONAL FOOD WASTE SUMMIT

What an incredible two days it was! On July 24 and 25, over 300 attendees from across industries, research institutions, NGOs, and government sectors came together in Melbourne for the 2024 National Food Waste Summit. The summit provided a vital platform for sharing innovative solutions, discussing policy frameworks, and fostering collaborative efforts to tackle food waste in Australia.

Key Highlights:

  • Launch of the Strategic Business Plan: One of the major highlights was the launch of End Food Waste Australia’s new strategic business plan. This ambitious roadmap aims to halve food waste in Australia by 2030, setting a clear direction for our collective efforts. We are excited to work alongside all of you to achieve these critical goals.
  • Record Attendance and Participation: The summit saw a record-breaking 314 attendees, up from 250 at the previous summit in 2022. With 67 speakers, including an MC, a keynote speaker, two ministerial welcome addresses, and a range of expert presentations on both the Main and Showcase Stages, the event was filled with insightful discussions and valuable knowledge sharing.
  • Engaging Exhibitors and Sponsors: We were thrilled to have 13 exhibitors at this years event. These included organisations such as Result Group, ReWaste (Yarra Valley Water), Too Good to Go, Result Group and many more. Our sponsors, including the Coles Group (Principal Partner), Argon & Co (Gold Sponsor), TetraPak (Gold Sponsor), and Food & Drink Business (Media Partner) played a crucial role in making this event possible.

Top 10 Action Items from Dr. Steven Lapidge, CEO of End Food Waste Australia:

  1. Strategic Plan Launch: We introduced our new Strategic Business Plan. Please download, read, and let us know how we can assist your organisation in achieving food waste reduction goals.
  2. Support Food Donation Incentives: Brianna Casey (CEO, Foodbank Australia) emphasised the importance of contributing to the Senate Select Committee on food donation tax incentives. We’ll share the link once it’s available.
  3. Global Mantra – Target, Measure, Act: This approach is something everyone can adopt. Let’s collectively aim to TARGET, MEASURE, ACT.
  4. Mandatory Reporting: International Speaker, Jolanda Dings discussed mandatory food waste reporting in Europe. The Australian Food Pact can help you stay ahead of the curve.
  5. Eat More Pork: National industry expert, Edwina Beveridge highlighted how eating pork can reduce food waste, emphasizing the pig as a “magical animal.”
  6. Industry PhD Program: Consider the on-the-job Industry PhD Program with KPMG and CQU for your business or personal development. Download copy of the Industry PhD guidelines here.
  7. SME Solution Centre: Boris Munster, Managing Director at TetraPak Oceania introduced the new Food Processing & Packaging SME Solution Centre, aiding food producers in meeting sustainable packaging targets.
  8. Nationwide Behaviour Change Campaign: We invite councils, government departments, retailers, and other organisations to get involved in this critical campaign once launched later this year.
  9. New Collaborations: Encouraged attendees to identify 2-3 new collaborations they plan to pursue following the summit and commit to making them happen.
  10. Collective Effort: We cannot do this alone. As Dr. Ian Oppermann said, “We don’t get anywhere if we don’t care.” Ending food waste starts with all of us.

Thank you to everyone who attended, contributed, and supported the 2024 National Food Waste Summit. Your engagement and dedication are crucial to our shared mission. We look forward to your continued involvement as we work towards a more sustainable future.

Stay tuned for more updates, and let’s keep the momentum going!

The full photo gallery and summary from the summit will be available shortly.

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Media enquiries: communication@endfoodwaste.com.au