INNOVATIVE STRATEGIES FOR FOOD WASTE REDUCTION AND THE USE OF MOBILE APPLICATIONS IN THE AGRI-FOOD SECTOR

The FLW phenomenon represents a challenge for all actors in the agri-food chain today, as one-third of the food produced globally is wasted at some point along its journey, with significant economic, social, and environmental consequences. Addressing this issue by finding solutions to minimize food loss and waste represents a priority for both researchers and socioeconomic experts. Based on the gap identified in the literature, the research aims to analyse the impact of using a mobile app in Romania that connects companies that have surplus food or food that is nearing the end of its warranty period with people who need that food and pay low prices for it. Statistical analysis of the data provided by this application reveals that the benefits of using it are multiple, for all actors involved, from redistributing food to segments of the population in need, to reducing the amount of food thrown away and educating and raising awareness of its users.