​Top 10 food-wasting countries around the world-- India's rank is surprising

Food waste is an issue that affects not only the economy but also the environment and the millions of people who go hungry every day. Each year, millions of tons of food are wasted, despite growing food insecurity around the world.

This waste is a huge strain on resources like water, land, and energy, which are used to produce, process, and transport food. When food ends up in landfills, it releases harmful methane gas, which is also a major reason for climate change. The UNEP estimates that food waste accounts for about 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing food waste could play a crucial role in combating climate change.

The fact that such a significant amount of food is wasted while approximately 783 million people struggle with hunger also highlights the paradox of the issue. Addressing food waste more effectively could reduce global hunger and help with a more efficient redistribution of resources, ultimately benefiting those in need.


Despite these impacts, food waste continues to be a problem across the globe, with large portions of it coming from households, retail stores, and food outlets.


While the issue is often linked to wealthier nations, it affects countries at all income levels. Here are the top 10 countries where food waste is most prevalent according to the UNEP Food Waste Report 2024

China ranks as the highest contributor to food waste, throwing away a staggering 108.6 million tonnes of food annually. With its enormous population, the average food waste per capita in China is 76 kg each year. Despite efforts to reduce food waste, China remains an important player in the global problem of wasted food.

India follows closely behind China, wasting about 78.1 million tonnes of food per year. While India’s per capita waste is lower, at 55 kg, the total impact is still massive due to its population size. The problem is worsened by inadequate storage infrastructure and widespread poverty, making food waste a critical issue.

In the United States, food waste is a huge concern, with around 24.7 million tonnes of it discarded every year. On average, each person in the US wastes 73 kg of food annually, which is also one of the highest rates globally. This waste is driven by overproduction, consumer habits, and large portion sizes.

Brazil also takes a spot on the list for its high per capita food waste, totaling 20.2 million tonnes a year. With an average of 94 kg per person, this figure is one of the largest on the list. Despite growing awareness, waste in both households and restaurants remains a serious issue in Brazil.

Indonesia discards 14.7 million tonnes of food annually, with the average person wasting 53 kg of food. Food waste remains a persistent problem that is caused by challenges in food distribution, lack of awareness, and changing consumer habits.

Germany is known for its strong environmental policies, wastes 6.5 million tonnes of food every year. The annual average amount of food a person discards is 78 kg. Though Germany has strict recycling laws, food waste in households and retail sectors continues to be a significant issue, despite efforts to reduce it.

Russia wastes about 4.8 million tonnes of food annually, equating to 33 kg per person. The country faces issues with food distribution and consumer behaviour, where excessive food purchases and poor storage practices contribute to the problem.

While the Philippines wastes 2.9 million tonnes of food annually, the per capita waste is relatively low at 26 kg per person. Despite this, food waste remains a problem, with challenges like inefficient food storage, lack of consumer education, and poor food distribution systems adding to the issue.

South Africa contributes to global food waste with 2.8 million tonnes discarded annually. On average, each South African wastes 47 kg of food per year. While food insecurity is a concern in the country, food waste from households, restaurants, and retail sectors is a reason for food wastage in the system.

In Ghana, food waste is on the rise, with 2.8 million tonnes of food wasted annually, equating to 84 kg per person. Despite being a country with food scarcity issues, the rapid urbanization and changing consumer habits are contributing to the increase in food waste in both urban and rural areas.