Surgital and Banco Alimentare: Together for a more supportive and sustainable future

A relationship built on shared values, such as respect for food and the desire to transform food surpluses into valuable resources for those most in need. This collaboration stems from a shared desire to combat food waste and deliver a valid response to the needs of the local community, creating a positive impact that goes far beyond mere donations.

Food waste in Italy

In 2024, food waste continued to represent one of the most pressing global challenges: approximately one-third of all food produced goes to waste, with significant consequences for both the environment and society. In Italy, 12.7% of food loss/waste originates from production, 12% from processing, 6.8% from retail and distribution, and a striking 68.6% from household consumption.
Italy’s foodservice sector contributes significantly to food waste, accounting for approximately 26% of the national total.
It is estimated that each year, an average 36 kg of food per capita is wasted in restaurants, canteens and catering services. This phenomenon is linked to several factors, including poor management of production quantities, inaccurate demand forecasting, and health and hygiene regulations that restrict the redistribution of unsold or unserved food.
Fresh products such as fruit and vegetables, which spoil easily, and baked goods like bread, often discarded due to their short shelf life, are among the foods most affected. Cooked but uneaten foods, meat and fish also rank high among the most wasted items, largely due to food safety considerations.
This situation calls for targeted interventions, such as improved operational planning and strategies for food recovery and redistribution, to reduce the environmental and economic impact of food waste. Waste that carries severe economic consequences and significantly affects the environment and natural resources.

A partnership that makes a difference

Since 1991, Banco Alimentare Emilia-Romagna has been recovering surplus food for subsequent redistribution through a vast network of partner organisations, providing support to those in need. Within this network, Surgital is a key partner.

“In addition to being a longstanding partner, Surgital is an example of how industry can play an active role in the community’s social fabric,” explains Stefano Dalmonte, President of Banco Alimentare Emilia-Romagna. “Every month, we receive high-quality surplus products that complement our food basket, enriching the nutritional options for the associations we serve.”

The relationship between Surgital and Banco Alimentare is built on trust and innovation.

Gianluca Benini, Director of Banco Alimentare, adds: “Together with Surgital, we have refined management methods that allow us to optimise donations. They often surprise us with new products, exclusive samples and premium items.“

The frozen foods donated by Surgital are a vital component in diversifying the food offering, which typically centres on long-shelf-life and fresh products. Thanks to partnerships like this, Banco Alimentare distributes thousands of tonnes of food each year to over 727 organisations, reaching more than 133,000 people.

“Collaborating with Banco Alimentare allows us to make a real difference in the fight against food waste,” says Arianna Testi, CSR Project Coordinator at Surgital. “But what makes this partnership so special is the ability to transform surplus into resources for those most in need, combining sustainability with solidarity.”