From March 19th to March 21st, 2024, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), Food Bank Vietnam and Informa Markets collaborated to implement promotional activities, enhancing awareness of food waste reduction, and the food donation program at the Food & Hotel Vietnam 2024 International Exhibition.

The event brought together over 300 businesses and exhibitors in the fields of Food, Beverage, Bakery Equipment, Restaurants, Hotels, and Service Supply from 27 countries worldwide as well as domestically.

Food waste reduction – A Priority Effort in Collaborative Strategy

Food waste is becoming an increasingly serious issue globally. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, one-third of the world’s food is either lost or wasted during transportation from production to consumption, resulting in damages amounting to USD 940 billion per year. The World Food Programme (WFP) estimates that approximately 691-783 million people faced food insecurity in 2022 due to various negative impacts and disruptions from COVID-19, climate change, natural disasters, etc. Meanwhile, about 30% of the world’s food is still wasted or lost annually. Moreover, in the Asia-Pacific region, Vietnam currently ranks second in the food waste index, just behind China.

Many countries and organizations are making joint efforts to propose solutions, initiatives, and applications to address these issues. Particularly, at major events such as food exhibitions, cooking competitions, and culinary showcases, food sourcing and consumption issues often face disposal due to lack of effective handling, resulting in waste and environmental pollution.

Culinary competitions and cooking contests are not only venues for creativity and culinary artistry but also opportunities to produce high-quality products and dishes. To ensure food safety and nutrition, these products will undergo rigorous evaluation and assessment by expert judges. Upon completion of this process, Food Bank Vietnam will proceed to distribute these food resources free of charge to beneficiary institutions and individuals in need, including the poor, laborers, wanderers, and vulnerable groups in the community.

In addition, Food Bank also collaborates with consumer food booths at the exhibition to connect donated product volumes from businesses with the purpose of supporting the Food Bank network, aiding those in need of food within society.

This action not only provides an effective solution to food waste reduction but also reflects the spirit of Food Bank Vietnam as well as other organizations in fulfilling social responsibilities and protecting the environment. Nutritious meals prepared from culinary competitions will help needy beneficiaries access adequate and nutritious meals.

Under the Cooperation Agreement, Food Bank Vietnam and Informa Markets are committed to closely coordinating efforts to develop sustainable activities. Food waste reduction will be a top priority for this collaboration. Furthermore, it lays the foundation for a long-term strategic partnership in community development projects aimed at creating “A Greener Vietnam.”

An opportunity for new collaborations on food waste reduction

Through this collaboration at the Food & Hotel Vietnam 2024 Exhibition, Food Bank Vietnam envisions further steps in cooperation and connection with similar entities in Vietnam. The event has brought positive signals regarding awareness of food waste reduction and has promoted sustainable development in the food and culinary service industry.

In the upcoming Food & Hotel Vietnam 2025 International Exhibition in Hanoi, Food Bank Vietnam and Informa Markets will continue to work together to implement practical and meaningful solutions on food waste reduction activities in the future.

Food Bank Vietnam is a non-profit organization with the mission of providing free food to the underprivileged and conducting food waste reduction activities. Founded in 2016, Food Bank Vietnam is a member of the Global Food Bank Network with 44 member countries headquartered in the United States. In Vietnam, Food Bank operates under the social enterprise model with the legal entity being Food Share Social Enterprise Joint Stock Company. The FBVN warehouse is currently present in 9 provinces/cities: HCMC, Ben Tre, Hanoi, Kien Giang, Da Nang, Quang Binh, Quang Ngai, Hung Yen, Thanh Hoa, and will continue to expand the network to 20 community food warehouses and community clubs in 2024.

Some other pictures in the events:

Food Bank Vuetnam.