CFA members redistribute millions of surplus food items, including chilled ready meals, sandwiches, desserts, pies and soups. Since CFA began to collect data in 2017 to the end of 2024 more than 63.5m (63,534,964) meals (measured in 450g units) have been redistributed by Members. In 2024 alone 12.7 million meals went to those in need through partners including Company Shop and FareShare.
While this figure was up by 300,000 on the previous year, this was a smaller increase than in the previous year.
Dr Rachel Hackett, CFA’s Sustainability Consultant explains why fewer meals redistributed is good news for sustainability: “Whilst it might appear counterintuitive, in reality it means that less food is being deemed not suitable for sale and therefore goes to the chilled aisles as intended.
“Of course the redistributed meals are not in any way substandard or unsafe. Reasons for redistributing a meal can vary from e.g. changes in packaging to slight adjustments to appearance. Something the food industry terms ‘Would I Buy It?’ But a reduction in meals redistributed means that food waste is being reduced at source. Which is good news and is in line with CFA’s target for waste reduction. CFA has been working on sustainability for more than 20 years, with many step changes along the way, contributing to current best practices.”
CFA continues to support WRAP’s Courtauld Commitment 2030, its members maintain their zero waste to landfill status and continue to redistribute surplus foods.
Credit: FareShare
September 2025