Which G20 Countries Waste the Most Food, and Where Does Indonesia Rank?

Based on a report by the Barilla Center for Food and Nutrition, Saudi Arabia is the largest food waste producer among G20 countries. In 2021, the total food waste generated in the country reached 151 kilograms (kg) per person per year.

This waste originates from retail, restaurants, and households. Specifically, Saudi Arabia generates 105 kg of household food waste per person per year, 26 kg from restaurants per person per year, and 20 kg from retail per person per year.

Indonesia ranks eighth, producing 121 kg of food waste per person per year. Household food waste dominates in Indonesia, accounting for 77 kg per person per year.

Russia has the lowest food waste generation among G20 countries, with a total of approximately 75 kg per person per year.

Across the three categories of food waste, all G20 countries produce more household waste than restaurant and retail waste, except for the United States, due to a stronger cultural preference for eating out at restaurants.

Lost and wasted food is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The report notes that unconsumed food accounts for 8-10% of total annual GHG emissions.

Furthermore, inefficient food distribution has economic implications. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) estimates that approximately 17% of food produced for human consumption worldwide was wasted in 2019, amounting to around 931 million tons.

Food waste is defined as uneaten and discarded food. The causes are numerous and occur throughout the production, processing, distribution, serving, and consumption processes. Waste occurs at every stage of the food chain, from production to consumption.