PART 3:
BRINGING IT
ALL TOGETHER
PART 3: BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER
USING THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE
TO DRIVE AFFORDABLE FOOD
USING THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE TO DRIVE AFFORDABLE FOOD
via Sustainable Food Production, Distribution and Consumption
THERE ARE ALWAYS OPPORTUNITIES TO REDUCE WASTE IN AND ALONG THE VALUE CHAIN.
THE KEY IS TO UNDERSTAND THE PRIMARY SOURCES OF WASTE AND THEIR ECONOMIC VALUE.
PART 1 focused on Ensuring a Traceable Value Chain from Farm to Fork, followed by PART 2, Reducing Food Losses and Waste.
In PART 3, we bring it all together.
PART 3
BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER
The infographic below aims to illustrate how our Virtuous Cycle approach is able to
This information tells us more about the relationship between losses and costs which
affects affordability and sustainability – and ultimately the very real prices you as a
consumer effectively pay for food.
This information tells us more about the relationship between losses and costs which affects affordability and sustainability – and ultimately the very real prices you as a consumer effectively pay for food.
Once the value chain in focus has been visualised (VIRTUOUS CYCLE STEP 1), it provides a complete view of
key inputs and relevant markets impacting that value chain. Then, through our unique approach and toolsets,
one can establish a fact base with data and algorithms. Seeing losses in measurable units (whether it be in
grammes or tonnes) and where these losses occur – from FORK all the way back to FARM – provides the
focus to achieve the biggest impacts of specific interventions. Costs can now be reengineered and
processes improved to reduce waste and losses in a focused manner. (VIRTUOUS CYCLE STEP 2).
This is an ongoing process, not a one-off project. Implemented strategies need to be measured and new data
used to optimise the value chain accordingly, such as creating a higher-quality byproduct or eliminating an
avoidable loss that occurs in a specific part of the value chain, for example, in processing. In a nutshell:
extract value (VIRTUOUS CYCLE STEP 3), scale solutions (VIRTUOUS CYCLE STEP 4) and reinvest back into
the value chain (VIRTUOUS CYCLE STEP 5).
Monetary Value of
(USD, ZAR, etc.):
Production / On-farm Losses
Post-harvest Handling and Storage
Processing and Packaging
Retail, Wholesale and Distribution
Percentage of
Consumer Price Paid
NEXT: PART 4
