The successful redistribution of 2.5 million meals by Iceland in 2024 marks a significant milestone in the fight against food waste.
Iceland’s collaboration with the food-sharing application Olio has yielded substantial results since its inception in 2022. In the past year alone, this partnership has successfully saved 3,228 tonnes of food from going to waste. Operating across nearly 1,000 Iceland and The Food Warehouse stores throughout the UK, the initiative involves local ‘Food Waste Heroes’ who collect surplus food and distribute it via Olio’s network.
The impact of this food redistribution effort extends beyond reducing waste. Iceland has managed to provide meals for 55,900 families in 2024, achieving a CO2e saving of 4,758,729 kg. This environmental benefit is equivalent to removing 16,215,373 cars from the roads, illustrating the significant positive effects on both community well-being and the environment.
Richard Walker, Iceland Foods’ executive chairman, expressed his pride in reaching this milestone, stating, ‘Redistributing 2.5 million meals this year is something we’re incredibly proud of. By partnering with Olio, we’re not just reducing our environmental footprint—we’re making sure surplus food gets to the people who need it most. It’s about more than just food waste; it’s about supporting our communities and doing what’s right for future generations.’
In addition to these achievements, Iceland has announced plans to extend its ‘lucky dip bags’ food redistribution trial in collaboration with Olio. By the end of October, this trial will expand to five more stores in the north-west, demonstrating Iceland’s commitment to exploring innovative approaches to food redistribution.
Iceland’s continuous efforts in food redistribution highlight the potential for significant environmental and social benefits when businesses adopt a proactive approach to food waste.
