Croatia discards nearly 500,000 tons of food annually

Croatia generates nearly 500,000 tons of food waste annually, with the average citizen discarding approximately 125 kilograms of food per year. This figure aligns closely with the European Union average of 130 kilograms per capita.

Data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries indicates that households are responsible for roughly 46 percent of this waste, primarily consisting of fruits, vegetables, bread, and prepared meals. The business sector accounts for the remaining 54 percent, with waste occurring throughout production, transport, and retail processes.

Authorities in Brodsko-posavska County are calling for more rational purchasing habits to mitigate the issue. They emphasize that waste often stems from over-purchasing and poor meal planning. Reducing food waste is highlighted as a critical step in lowering carbon footprints and mitigating climate change, as the production and disposal of wasted food consume significant water, energy, and land resources.