The battle against food waste: Epta’s answer
Food waste is an increasingly pressing problem for Europe, and one which has considerable knock-on effects at an economic, environmental and social level. Recent research conducted by FUSIONS, a project funded by the European Commission Framework Programme 7, revealed that the annual food wasted created by member States of the European Union totals around 88 million tonnes, at an estimated loss of 143 billion Euro*. In line with the Sustainable Development objectives adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations last September, the goal set by the EU is to halve pro capita food waste of retailers and homes by 2030: together these account for around 60% of wastage.
In this respect, Epta’s cutting-edge refrigeration solutions not only offer flawless presentation but also outstanding freshness and food safety. All of which guarantees “food that is healthy, safe and available for everyone”. It is a responsible approach, and one wholly in keeping with the concept “The Epta Way UP: preserving #FoodValue”. Using technologically advanced systems, it preserves and displays food perfectly, ensuring its value is maintained intact. In fact the ongoing investments the Group has made in Research and Development bear witness to Epta’s desire to promote the pivotal nature of refrigeration as a vital resource for protecting agrifood assets and counteracting food waste.
In Italy we have the prime example of the collaboration between Epta, through its brand Costan, and the Selex associated Roberto Abate Group that has been fighting food waste since 2015 by donating all surplus to the needy through an agreement with Banco Alimentare. The mainly fresh products are collected from retail outlets and distributed to beneficiaries in dishes prepared in food banks and residential facilities or offered to families in financial difficulty. In 2016 Roberto Abate increased the number of supermarkets involved, including also the new Famila superstore in Siracusa that was produced with Costan. This is a store where efficiency and solidarity merge thanks to the choice of cutting edge refrigerated units that improve the shelf life of products, while maintaining their nutritional properties and organoleptic qualities.
William Pagani, Epta Group Marketing Director commented: “We are very proud to have taken part in this important project which allows us to show off our skill in supplying integrated refrigeration systems that meet every need of our clients. At the same time, they meet the community’s goals to counter waste, in accordance with our strategy to spread a culture of food value and proper food preservation, and in keeping with food health and hygiene standards”.
*http://www.eu-fusions.org/index.php/component/acymailing/archive/view/ma...