Food waste in high income countries: Spanish fish value chain as a case study

Abstract

High-income countries are expected to be more efficient in preventing food waste (FW) along the value chain compared to low- and middle-income countries, with the exception of the consumer stage. However, it is still a problem to be solved, especially in fresh food due to its perishability and in livestock due to its nutritional and economic impact. Following this prioritization, wild-caught fish was defined as a weak point for FW in the food system of high-income countries. Spain was used as a representative country for high- countries' fish sector due to its international trading and production/consumption ratios. The length of food supply chains (FSCs) was identified as a factor influencing FW incidence, highlighting short FSCs as a model for reducing FW. Regulations have been targeted as drivers but also as prevention and mitigation factors for FW. Technological tools and innovations already available in the market can be used to reduce FW, but there are still barriers affecting their adoption.