Greece ranks third in the EU in terms of food waste: 201 kg per person

Greece one of the three countries European Union with the highest levels of food waste – according to EUROSTATeach resident emits on average 201 kilograms of food per year. This is the third worst indicator in EU after Cyprus And Denmarkdespite rising prices and increasing pressure on households.

According to ELSTATnear 7% of the population countries are facing moderate to severe food insecurity. In 2023, Greece will emit more than 2.09 million tons of productsalmost half of which occurred in households.

Where is food lost?

• 44% waste – from households (about 926 thousand tons);
• 23% — from food processing (485 thousand tons);
• 11.4% — from primary production (238 thousand tons);
• 11.3% — from the public catering sector (236 thousand tons);
• 9.7% – from retail trade and distribution.

Per person this means: 89 kg waste accounts for household consumption, 70 kg – for production and processing, and more 43 kg — for the food and retail sector.

Trends in recent years

In 2020, the figure was 191 kg, in 2021 – 193 kg, in 2022 – 196 kg, and in 2023 it exceeded the mark of 200 kg. Thus, Greece shows a steady increase in food waste, despite economic difficulties.

For comparison: in Spain waste level – total 65 kg per personV Slovenia – 78 kg, in Hungary – 88 kg. These are the most economical EU countries.

Saving due to the crisis, not awareness

Experts note that the reduction in waste volumes in some households is explained not by environmental beliefs, but by rising prices and falling incomes. People began to cook less, store food more carefully and use leftovers to save money. However, there are no systemic changes.

Unlike many EU countries, Greece does not offer tax breaks companies that donate food, and does not impose fines for throwing away food waste. The lack of incentives and controls makes food redistribution uneconomical.

EU goals and Greek reality

According to the new EU Directive 1892/2025by 2030, states must reduce food waste:

• on 10% – in processing and production,
• on 30% – in retail trade, catering and households.

For Greece, achieving these indicators still looks unlikely. The lack of a national strategy and economic incentives leaves the country among the outsiders.

Social and economic paradox

Bye 7% of the population experiencing food shortages, the country is losing food worth over 1 billion euros annually. This is not only environmental, but also economic problem: Creating a redistribution and processing system could create thousands of jobs and reduce food imports.

If the EU demands a reduction in food waste by a third by 2030, then Greece will have to start with the simplest thing – stop ignoring overflowing containers and empty refrigerators.

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