Surplus food redistribution in Ireland

Surplus food consists of finished food products, partly formulated products and food ingredients that are unsold or unused by a business or individual, but are still safe to consume. It can arise at any stage of the food production and distribution chain for a variety of reasons


Surplus food redistribution is the process whereby surplus food that would otherwise have ended up as waste is, instead, made available for people to eat.

Redistribution is the preferred way to deal with food you can’t sell or use in your production processes.  It is a win win for all involved,  reducing food waste, helping to address food insecurity and promoting sustainability and circular food practices.


The following questions will guide you to help you understand how to get involved and how to access supports to get you started.

Find out more about food waste in Ireland and globally, and how you can help solve the issue, fighting climate breakdown and food insecurity.





Food waste within food distribution sector

The EPA estimate that 10% of food waste comes from Distribution and Retail sectors. In 2024 FoodCloud redistributed 3,896 tonnes or surplus food in Ireland. That represents less an 1% of food that goes to waste in Ireland, some of which could potentially have been redistributed to those who could use it. 
Aldi Ireland and Arrabawn Dairies: Supply Chain Partnerships: Local Links, National Impact

Food waste within manufacturing and/or processing sector

The EPA food waste statistics indicate that the food and beverage manufacturing and processing sector in Ireland generated an estimated 305,000 tonnes of food waste (37% of total) in 2023. Not all food contained in this statistic are suitable for human consumption, however we are confident there is food going to waste that could be redistributed to people who can use it. 
Tesco Ireland and Hilton Foods: No Time for Waste at Every Step of the Supply Chain

Retail Food waste

In 2024 FoodCloud redistributed 3,896 tonnes or surplus food in Ireland xx % of that came from Irish retailers. It is estimated that approximatley 2% of food waste comes from the retail sector. Redistribution systems are now well established in Ireland for this sector of the food supply chain, so get started today. 
Addressing food waste in the retail sector

Food waste in the food service sector

The EPA estimate that in 2023 approximately 175,000 tonnes of food waste occured in the food service sector. This accounts for 21% of overall food waste.  Included in this sector is food waste from hotels, B&Bs, pubs, restaurants, cafes, takeaways and canteens. 

Food waste within primary production sector

A 2023 EPA funded research project, estimates that 189,485 tonnes of food is lost or wasted at primary production stage. Vegetable production accounts for 65% of this, with approximately 122,395 tonnes lost or wasted per annum.  In 2024, FoodCloud redistributed 420 tonnes of fruit and vegetables in Ireland. This represents a tiny proportion of what could potentially be redistributed.
Watch how the Growers' project is helping growers to share surplus crops with their local communities.



About your surplus food






There is a common misconception that food donation is only worthwhile if you can donate large volumes of surplus on a regular basis. 

In reality,  even small amounts of quality food,  donated sporadically,  can make a huge difference to families and individuals. 

100kgs of surplus food equates to approximately 230 meals. 
500kgs of surplus food equates to approximately 1,200 meals. 
2,000 kgs of surplus food equates to approximately 4,800 meals. 
10,000 kgs of surplus food equates to almost 24,000 meals. 
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The personal data collected in this form will be used to gain insights into food waste levels in Ireland. Your data will be stored securely, and not shared with third parties. By submitting this form, you consent to this use of your data in accordance with GDPR.
Thank you for providing information about your surplus food.

The following sections below, will help you understand your options in terms of who you could work with to redistribute some of this surplus and what financial supports are available to help you get started.

Contact Information