Food waste took centre stage at this year’s Global Summit in Amsterdam, with speakers and sessions highlighting its critical role in building a more circular and resilient food system.
Queen Máxima Highlights Opportunity for Change
In her opening keynote, Queen Máxima of the Netherlands called attention to food waste as a key opportunity to drive circularity and unlock economic and environmental benefits. Her remarks set the tone for an agenda focused on practical solutions for sustainable growth.
Coalition Leadership in the Spotlight
During the plenary panel that followed, Max Koeune, President and CEO of McCain Foods and Co-Sponsor of the Food Waste Coalition of Action, shared his vision for a circular food system. He spoke to the Coalition’s mission of translating ambition into action, working across the value chain to cut food loss and waste at scale.
The Sustainable Kitchen Showcased as a Tool for Consumer Engagement
In a panel on driving sustainable growth, Cécile Beliot-Zind, CEO of Bel Group, spotlighted The Sustainable Kitchen—an initiative launched by the Food Waste and Healthier Lives Coalitions of Action. The online hub was designed to support companies in running consumer engagement campaigns that reduce food waste while promoting healthier diets. Her remarks came as part of a broader discussion on embedding sustainability into business strategy, where leaders from Bel Group, PepsiCo, and Aldi SOUTH Group shared how aligning environmental goals with commercial priorities is becoming a powerful driver of long-term value.
From Farms to Forks: Resilience Through Waste Reduction
Later in the programme, Koeune returned to the stage for a deep dive session titled “Building Resilience: Farming for the Future.” Joined by experts from Rabobank, Ahold Delhaize, and a Dutch grower, the discussion explored food security, the importance of farming innovation, and how reducing food waste can strengthen supply chain resilience.
New Paper Highlights Food Waste Hotspots
Coinciding with the Summit, the Coalition released a new paper developed with Capgemini: “Rethinking Food Waste as a Lever for Profitability and Growth.” The paper outlines where food waste is most prevalent across global supply chains and how addressing it can create value through cost savings, improved efficiency, and stronger brand trust.
