Bidfood has made significant strides in reducing food waste, cutting the quantity sent to landfill by an impressive 92% over the last six years. The wholesaler's sustainability report for the year ending in June 2024 revealed that the amount of food waste sent to landfill declined from 54 tonnes in 2018 to just 4.3 tonnes last year.

According to Bidfood’s head of sustainability, Julie Owst, this achievement is part of the company's broader aim to reduce overall food waste by 63% from 2020 to 2030. "Damage is one of the key drivers of waste, so we are looking closely at our own handling and storage processes," Owst explained. The company has focused on improving food redistribution, with a notable collaboration with charity partners, enhancing forecasting through technology, and increasing staff training in the handling of fresh produce to minimise damage.

The report noted that Bidfood redistributed 22% more food in tonnes compared to the previous year, with FareShare being the primary beneficiary of this redistribution, alongside local charities chosen by individual depots.

In a bid to further enhance its sustainability practices, Bidfood is also working towards an entirely plastic-free supply chain. Noteworthy reductions have already been realised, with hand film usage decreasing by 50% between 2022 and 2024. Their Nottingham depot remarkably reported a usage of 0kg of plastic pallet wraps last year.

In January 2024, Bidfood introduced an innovative carbon footprint tool designed to calculate the environmental impact of individual foods during the menu planning stage. "The response to the carbon footprint tool has been very positive in starting the dialogue with our suppliers and customers on carbon reduction," Owst said. This tool has not only facilitated better data collection on product provenance and country of origin, but it has also aided in mapping water risks and other environmental factors.

Responding to increasing customer demand for carbon data, Owst noted that many are considering implementing a traffic light labelling system on their menus. In line with these initiatives, the wholesaler is also taking measures to decarbonise its fleet. This includes the use of alternative fuels and technologies, such as aerodyne kits, which have collectively lowered fuel consumption by 8%.

However, Owst acknowledged that expanding the electric fleet, which currently constitutes a mere 0.06% of the total, is not a prioritised goal at this time. The challenges associated with the technology in foodservice vehicles, particularly concerning refrigeration and vehicle capacity, have complicated efforts. "We remain committed to our medium-term goal to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 55% against a 2019 baseline," she emphasised.

Bidfood has set ambitious long-term goals, striving to achieve an absolute reduction in carbon emissions of at least 90% by 2045, with the intent to offset any remaining emissions. These efforts are part of a science-based approach aimed at reaching net zero.