The USAID Research Community of Practice Sub-Group on Food Loss and Waste (FLW) aims to share research and knowledge with USAID staff and implementing partners interested in the implications of and approaches to addressing FLW. In this episode of the monthly USAID FLW Podcast, Kelley Cormier, Food Safety Division Chief at USAID, interviews Ignacio Gavilan of the Consumer Goods Forum (CGF). CGF is a global organization of approximately 400 retailers and manufacturers. 

Ignacio shares his perspectives on the role of the private sector in reducing FLW at scale to offset environmental impacts and increase the accessibility of safe and nutritious food. In 2020, CGF launched the Coalition of Action on Food Waste, bringing together 14 of the world’s largest retailers and manufacturers with the goal of halving per capita global food loss at the retailer and consumer levels. Ignacio shares the trade-offs the private sector must consider when addressing FLW, including a whole chain approach that considers how reducing waste in one area might lead to increases elsewhere. Additionally, the importance of standardized date labeling and consumer education is explored. 

For more information on the podcast or contribute to an episode, contact Nika Larian at USAID ([email protected]).