Visit Scotland | Alba
Article published 08/03/2022

A survey, released, shows just 24% of food and drink businesses in Scotland think food waste is a significant contributor to climate change. That’s despite Scotland, as a whole, wasting 988,000 tonnes of food and drink every year.

In response, Zero Waste Scotland has launched a nationwide challenge to crown Scotland’s culinary champion of food waste – a single professional or business whose recipe can turn what could have gone to waste into delectable treasure.

The search for "Scotland’s best waste-less scran" was launched at the beginning of Food Waste Action Week (7 – 13 March). It will see cooks across Scotland enter their best recipes that primarily feature ingredients commonly wasted in kitchens, such as bread, or use up the parts of food items that people don't usually eat, for example, broccoli stalks. 

We know many food and drink businesses in Scotland are already doing their bit, with our research indicating 43% rank reducing food waste as one of their top priorities.

However, we also know only 14% consider food waste every day. We’re calling on expert chefs to show off their planet-saving recipes and showcase their commitment to tackling the climate emergency.

Businesses will benefit greatly from reducing food waste, both sustainably and financially, and with over 80% of the UK population concerned about climate change getting involved in Food Waste Action Week is a great way to show customers, clients and employees that you and your business share their values.

Iain Gulland, Chief Executive of Zero Waste Scotland

The winner will be selected from a list of entrants who have met the criteria of simplicity, taste, time, ingredient use, and ingenuity.

BBC MasterChef champion and Scotland’s National Chef, Gary Maclean, will be lending his culinary expertise as part of the judging panel.

The competition’s top chef will then win a bespoke prize package from Zero Waste Scotland. This will include hands-on support to further reduce food waste and become more resource efficient, as well as promotion of their environmental initiatives.

How do I enter?

To compete, entrants should visit the dedicated competition page on the Zero Waste Scotland website to download a submission template which can then be sent to food.drink@zerowastescotland.org.uk.

Entrants must check the full criteria before applying. The competition closes on the 1 September 2022.

Find out more

Zero Waste Scotland operates the Food Waste Reduction Business Support service to help businesses in Scotland make savings by tackling food waste. To find out more visit their website.

Zero Waste Scotland’s Food Waste Action Week runs from the 7 - 13 March. You can also keep up to date with the latest from Zero Waste Scotland via their social media channels on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

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