How can businesses tackle the scourge of food waste to save money and meet their sustainability goals? Our panel of experts from Wing Yip, Wrap, Balloon One and Zest reveal the secrets to effective food waste management and how supply chain technology can turbocharge business efforts.
The numbers are stark. Post-farmgate food waste costs the UK economy up to £22 billion annually, with £5 billion lost across food supply chains in manufacturing, retail, and foodservice alone, according to Wrap estimates.
Yet despite the quantifiable financial cost, the majority of businesses remain wedded to inefficient systems that fuel this waste. Research by Balloon One has found that over 60% of companies still rely wholly or partly on legacy, spreadsheet-based or manual processes – infrastructure that is no longer fit for purpose.
There are solutions, however. Advances in technology mean modern supply chains can now be designed to optimise efficiency and minimise food loss. In this Grocer Vision webinar, leading experts in both food waste and supply chain management will explore how the latest technologies are transforming companies’ ability to reduce waste, save money and meet sustainability goals.
The panel will identify food waste hotspots within supply chains and examine the main drivers of waste, from forecasting and handling errors to rigid product specifications. They’ll share how adopting the latest technologies can reduce food waste by optimising supply chain visibility, and explore practical measures businesses can take to improve food waste management today.
Looking ahead, the discussion will also cover the policies and trends coming down the track that should incentivise businesses to act with urgency.
As ever, you’ll also get the chance to put your own questions to our panel.
Register here and join us on 11 March 2026.
Meet the panel
Ronald Bvute, operations manager at Wing Yip
Ronald is the Operations Manager at W. Wing Yip Plc, where he has spent the past 11 years driving operational excellence across the business. Progressing through roles including Stock Controller, Supervisor , Assistant Store Manager and into his current role, he has developed strong, hands-on expertise across retail and supply chain operations within the F&B sector.
Focused on enhancing efficiency through strategy, process improvement and best practice, Ronald has been part of the implementation team of ERP and warehouse management systems at Wing Yip, working in close partnership with Balloon One to modernise operations and improve data visibility. He is passionate about using technology to strengthen stock control, forecasting accuracy and supply chain performance, which is key to reducing food waste, protecting margins, and supporting Wing Yip goals. His experience combines frontline operational insight with strategic systems delivery, positioning him well to contribute on building more resilient and sustainable F&B supply chains.
Will Nicholson, global food waste programme lead, Wrap
Will leads WRAP’s programme on food waste. He has one simple goal – to reduce food waste globally. The food waste programme operates in 8 different markets (WRAP’s flagship UK Food & Drink Pact and Food Waste Reduction Roadmap, as well as in the US and the EU, and through food waste pacts in Brazil, Indonesia, South Africa and Australia). He has a background of 20-plus years working with the food industry including owning restaurants in Norway and France, and on climate change and broader ESG challenges with NGOs, investors and governments
Craig Powell, managing director at Balloon One
Craig Powell is the co-founder and managing director of Balloon One, which he launched in 2003 with a vision to help growing businesses scale through supply chain technology and innovation. With a career spanning over three decades in IT and supply chain management, Craig began as an IBM SAP consultant before becoming SAP practice manager at Hewlett-Packard. These formative roles shaped his ambition to build pragmatic, technology-driven solutions for complex supply chain challenges. Today, Craig remains hands-on at Balloon One, working closely with clients to optimise operations, improve visibility, and drive sustainable business growth.
Dini McGrath, co-founder, Zest
Dini spent +8 years working in the food and drinks industry for Sipsmith and Beam Suntory. She then went on to co-found Zest, an organisation tackling food waste by leveraging AI/ML to improve visibility of production process waste, supporting with the reduction and intelligent reallocation of food surplus across the manufacturing supply chain. Today they work with large food manufacturers including Nestlé. Committed to fostering a network effect among female innovators, Dini was awarded the 2024 Women in Innovation award, and actively supports emerging female founders across the UK, sharing lessons from her journey to create a stronger, more impactful ecosystem of changemakers.
Nick Hughes, moderator
Nick is an experienced freelance writer, editor and moderator specialising in food and environmental affairs. He writes articles for leading industry publications, including The Grocer, Retail Week and Footprint, and has worked as a policy adviser for DEFRA and WWF.
