Cyprus recorded the highest amount of food waste per capita in 2024 among EU member states for which data were available, according to Eurostat. The total reached 295 kg per person, more than double the EU average of 129 kg.
The gap was not limited to households. Cypriot households generated 78 kg of food waste per person, compared with 69 kg across the EU, while the gap was wider in the food service sector, at 34 kg compared with 15 kg. Waste levels were particularly high at earlier stages of the food supply chain. The food and beverage industry generated 73 kg per person, compared with 25 kg in the EU, retail and distribution 62 kg compared with 10 kg, and primary production 48 kg compared with 10 kg.
Across the EU, around 57.9 million tonnes of food waste were generated in 2024, up 0.7% from 2023.
Cyprus ranked first, followed by Denmark with 261 kg per person and Greece with 208 kg, placing Greece third among EU member states. At the other end of the scale, Spain recorded the lowest amount at 54 kg per person, followed by Lithuania with 68 kg and Slovakia with 72 kg. For Spain, however, Eurostat notes a methodological difference and that some figures are provisional or estimated.
Across the EU, around 57.9 million tonnes of food waste were generated in 2024, up 0.7% from 2023. The data include both edible and inedible parts of food and therefore do not refer exclusively to food that could have been consumed.
Source: Fileleftheros, Εurostat
