One quarter of vegetables produced in Catalonia wasted before reaching market

Just over one quarter – 26% – of the vegetables produced each year in Catalonia are wasted before being reaching the market, according to a new study by the Institute of Environmental Science at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB). 

In total, Catalonia produces 46.5 million tons of vegetables each year. 

Food waste is avoidable in 61% of cases and is seem most often with watermelon, lettuce, and cauliflower. 

The study also details that between 10-15% of courgettes, tomatoes, and onions are discarded before being put up for sale due to their appearance or quality. 

This waste results in economic losses of €19 million every year.

The study also includes recommended short-term solutions, such as the local sale of "ugly" products, similar to what the Catalan company Talkual do. For long-term solutions, it highlights the need for strategies to avoid extensive food waste.

The figures included in the study correspond to data from the year 2020.

The study details three main reasons why a large proportion of produce doesn't make it to the market. 

The first is the food that goes unharvested due to collection being "not profitable" given the low prices paid for the vegetables. 

Second, there are "possibly avoidable" losses which refer to cases where the product does not meet the quality standards set by the market for sale. 

The third group, "unavoidable" losses, is due to technical problems, such as negligence on the part of harvesters.