The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) has released its 2025 Food Waste Insights Report, detailing how reducing food loss across the cold chain can deliver financial, operational and reputational benefits for manufacturers, retailers and distributors.
The report reframes food waste as a business opportunity, showing that prevention improves margins, strengthens retailer trust and positions the frozen and refrigerated categories as essential solutions for efficiency and sustainability.
“Food loss and waste is a critical and timely issue. Our categories already provide built-in solutions through extended shelf life, food safety and consumer value,” said NFRA President and CEO Tricia Greyshock.
“This report highlights ways our industry can turn those advantages into measurable results by reducing shrink, improving margins, and building stronger retailer and consumer relationships.”
Key findings highlight that, according to data from ReFED, the U.S. wastes 63 million tons of food each year, valued at $382 billion. For retail businesses, food loss in their operations results in an estimated $28 billion in lost product value. Across the value chain – from production and distribution through retail and consumption – opportunities exist to capture lost value and improve efficiency. The cold chain, with its strengths in preservation, freshness and safety, plays a role in supporting retailers and consumers in achieving these goals.
The 2025 Food Waste Insights Report outlines:
- Financial levers to reduce shrink, energy waste and operating costs.
- Retailer alignment strategies that demonstrate measurable progress on Scope 3 and food waste reduction goals.
- Consumer messaging frameworks to position frozen and refrigerated as “waste-proof, budget-smart” choices.
- Case studies and technology insights showcasing how predictive analytics, AI and IoT tools are redefining efficiency.
- A roadmap for action spanning immediate member pilots through long-term recognition programs leading up to 2030.
“Efficiency and precision are at the core of cold chain logistics,” shared Marty Steinmetz, chief commercial officer, RealCOLD. “The NFRA report highlights how technology and collaboration can cut waste at every stage, from storage to shelf, creating both economic and environmental wins for our industry.”
Greyshock added, “This work demonstrates NFRA’s commitment to equipping our members and industry partners with actionable insights and tools that connect sustainability and business performance.”
[RELATED: NFRA Report: Families Can Save $1.5K Annually By Reducing Food Waste]