Food Surplus Redistribution
Putting surplus food to best use
Surplus redistribution provides a key opportunity to ensure safe, edible food is used to feed people. Under Ambition 2030, the Food and Drink Federation supports members by providing practical guidance and working with partners to help increase and improve food surplus redistribution across the food & drink manufacturing sector.
This page brings together key guidance, aiming to:
- Make the redistribution landscape easier to understand and navigate
- Provide practical, factory‑level guidance tailored to manufacturing
- Align advice with WRAP guidance, retailer requirements and policy developments
- Help members overcome logistical, technical, food safety and brand integrity barriers
- Showcase good practice across the food and drink manufacturing sector
139 million
10.2 million
UK Food and Drink Pact Redistribution working group
The UK Food and Drink Pact Redistribution Working Group brings together businesses from across the supply chain with redistribution organisations and solution providers to increase the amount of surplus being redistributed for human consumption. The group is co‑chaired by Natalie Verner (Food and Drink Federation) and Saacha Celestial‑One (Co‑Founder, Olio), with a focus on sharing best practice, identifying barriers and opportunities, developing practical resources and research, and monitoring progress.
Membership is open to all UK Food and Drink Pact signatories. FDF members can also input via Natalie Verner.
Government action on food waste
Surplus redistribution sits alongside wider government action on food waste, including the upcoming Number 10 National Programme to Redistribute Surplus Food and Circular Economy Growth Plan. FDF continues to engage with policymakers to ensure that regulation supports effective waste prevention, redistribution and reduction across the supply chain. We also amplify the asks of redistributors where we are aligned.
How FDF supports members
Through our Ambition 2030 programme, FDF works with manufacturers, redistribution organisations, retailers and policymakers to make surplus redistribution simpler and more effective.
Part of the FDF Environmental Sustainability team, Natalie Verner is our Food Surplus & Redistribution lead. You can contact Natalie directly for any queries about Food Surplus & Redistribution or FDF Membership.
How Food Manufacturers Are Transforming Surplus Food into Community Impact
In this video, FDF members visit The Felix Project and Community Shop to see first-hand how surplus food redistribution is helping communities across the UK while supporting wider efforts to reduce food waste. The visit highlights the importance of collaboration between manufacturers, charities and redistribution partners to maximise the value of surplus food and drive positive social impact.
