Preventing Food Waste in the Hospitality Sector

Guidelines by the Environment and Resources Authority.

Food waste remains one of the most pressing environmental challenges globally, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, wasted resources, and unnecessary pressure on land and water systems.

When food is discarded, all the energy, labour, transport, and water used in its production are wasted alongside it. Food waste is considered a major issue both globally and locally, with figures indicating that in 2023, Malta generated around 71,000 tonnes of food waste across all stages of the food supply chain, equating to circa 128 kilograms per capita.

This also holds true within the HORECA sector, where food waste presents both an environmental and economic concern. Hotels, restaurants, cafés, and catering establishments generate waste through overproduction, inefficient storage, oversized portions, spoilage, and plate leftovers.

In a highly competitive industry where margins are often tight, reducing food waste is not only a sustainability measure but also a business opportunity that can improve operational efficiency and reduce purchasing costs

Addressing food waste within HORECA operations requires a combination of planning, staff engagement, and smarter kitchen practices. Examples of food waste prevention measures include:

• Improved stock management – systems such as “first in, first out” rotation can help minimise spoilage and unnecessary disposal of ingredients.
• Accurate forecasting and menu planning – better demand forecasting reduces overproduction, while flexible menus allow kitchens to make better use of seasonal ingredients and surplus stock.
• Portion control measures – offering different portion sizes and encouraging customers to take leftovers home can significantly reduce plate waste.
• Staff training and awareness – kitchen and service staff play a key role in identifying avoidable waste and improving food handling practices.
• Use of technology – inventory tracking systems and digital monitoring tools can help businesses identify where waste occurs most frequently and take corrective action.