$551.1
Scriptie door HDG CEO Leander van Bellen: voedselverspilling in de sector van verse producten
Toekomst van vers fruit
Bij HDG zetten we ons in om voedselverspilling in de supply chain van vers fruit te verminderen. Door expertise, data-inzichten en praktische oplossingen te combineren, stellen we telers, handelaren en retailers in staat om slimmere en duurzamere beslissingen te nemen.
Ons doel is om blijvende waarde te creëren door samenwerking, transparantie en innovatie. Door belanghebbenden te verbinden en kennis te delen, willen we complexe uitdagingen omzetten in kansen voor een veerkrachtigere en duurzamere sector van vers fruit.
Voedselverspilling verminderen, duurzaamheid versterken
From insight to impact in the fresh fruit industry
Fresh fruit transition: reducing waste together, building sustainability together.
“Food waste in the fresh fruit industry is a wicked problem: complex, industry-wide, and deeply embedded in existing structures. Our CEO conducted research on how collaboration, transparency, and data sharing can drive system change. This project is inspired by those insights, aimed at taking concrete steps forward, together.”
Project Objectives
The project aims to reduce food waste across the supply chain by setting shared goals and increasing transparency. At the same time, it aligns stakeholder interests: ensuring quality control while improving logistics, safeguarding fair margins, and creating a stable and sustainable market.
1. Mapping & awareness
The first phase focuses on Mapping & Awareness, where stakeholder interests and bottlenecks across production, import, inspection, and retail are identified. At the same time, awareness is built through workshops, training, and educational materials on sustainability and food waste.
2. Transparency & data sharing
The second phase centers on Transparency & Data Sharing. Pilot projects enable the exchange of logistical and quality data through trusted, neutral partners, creating chain-wide visibility and allowing stakeholders to jointly monitor and reduce food waste.
3. Process and technology
In the third phase, Process & Technology Optimization is introduced. Innovative tools such as non-destructive inspections, cold chain optimization, and real-time dashboards are implemented to improve efficiency and reduce waste, guided by data insights.
4. Collaboration and governance
Finally, the fourth phase emphasizes strategic Collaboration & Governance. Shared goals and governance structures are established, coordinated by neutral facilitators, and stakeholders align around clear KPIs such as waste reduction percentages, margin ratios, and overall market stability.
Take action together.
Curious about how your organization can contribute to this transition? Contact us for a pilot project or workshop, together, we can make the fresh fruit sector sustainable and future-proof.
Expected impact.
The project is expected to achieve measurable reductions in food waste by improving the alignment of supply and demand, optimizing logistics, and implementing innovative processes and technologies. By creating greater visibility and data-driven insights throughout the supply chain, stakeholders can make more informed decisions that reduce overproduction, minimize losses, and increase overall efficiency. In doing so, the project not only addresses immediate operational challenges but also contributes to long-term sustainability goals within the fresh fruit industry.
At the same time, the initiative is designed to strengthen collaboration and trust among all actors in the supply chain. By fostering transparency and shared governance, participants gain a unique competitive advantage while promoting a stable and resilient market environment. This approach also provides a scalable framework that can be adapted to other sectors, such as floriculture and meat processing, enabling broader impact and systemic improvements across the wider fresh produce industry.
“Innovation and insight empower us to turn challenges into sustainable opportunities.”
Leander van Bellen, General Manager @ HDG
Key Figures: Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Industry
Industry Size
3.6%
Annual Growth
3.6% per year until 2028
12.5
EU Imports
2 billion kg – vegetables 12.5 billion kg – fruit
38%
NL Share
38% of total EU imports Grapes: 76%
Blueberries: 70%
“Together, we reduce waste, build trust, and create a future-ready fresh fruit sector.”
Leander van Bellen, General Manager
Read the Thesis Summary
Want to dive deeper into the research behind this project? Click here to read the summary of our CEO’s thesis.
Contact.
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