Every year, millions of tonnes of food are wasted worldwide, with bread and bakery products ranking among the product groups that suffer the highest levels of loss. Especially during the hot summer months, uninterrupted cold chain management, proper storage, and digital traceability play a critical role in safeguarding food safety, extending product shelf life, and reducing waste throughout the journey from farm to table. Effective management of logistics processes directly impacts not only product quality but also sustainable food production and the national economy.

Enes Akça
General Manager of Akca Logistics 

A significant share of global food losses occurs within the supply chain before products ever reach consumers. During the summer season, rising temperatures and increased tourism activity make cold chain management more critical than ever. Proper planning across logistics operations—from warehousing and transportation to micro-distribution and digital traceability—not only strengthens food safety but also makes a substantial contribution to reducing food waste. In an interview with BBM Magazine, Enes Akça, General Manager of Akca Logistics, discussed the strategic role of the logistics industry in preventing food waste and the growing operational intensity experienced during the tourism season.

Food waste is becoming an increasingly significant global challenge. Where do you think the logistics sector stands in this fight?

Food waste is not only an economic issue but also a global challenge with environmental and social dimensions. Before a food product reaches the consumer, it spends a significant portion of its shelf life within logistics operations. As a result, even minor mistakes during storage, transportation, or distribution can cause the product to be completely lost.

Food is one of the product categories with the lowest tolerance for error. Once a food product deteriorates, it cannot be recovered or returned to the economy. Therefore, storing products at the correct temperature, transporting them under appropriate conditions, and ensuring timely delivery are among the most fundamental factors in reducing food waste.

How does the tourism season affect food logistics?

The scale that Türkiye has achieved in tourism has a direct impact on the logistics sector. During the summer months, food demand from hotels, restaurants, and retail outlets in tourism destinations increases significantly. We experience this surge directly in our warehousing, micro-distribution, and transportation operations.

As a company, our shipment volume to tourism regions has increased by approximately 10% compared to last year. Operational intensity has risen particularly for fresh fruit and vegetables, dairy products, and other temperature-controlled food products.

What are the biggest risks that increase food losses during the summer months?

Rising temperatures are among the greatest risks for food products. Any disruption at any stage of the cold chain directly affects both product quality and food safety.

Particularly for temperature-sensitive products, proper storage, an uninterrupted cold chain, and timely delivery are of vital importance. Failure to manage these processes effectively can result not only in economic losses but also in significant levels of food waste.

How do you assess the economic impact of food waste in Türkiye?

Approximately 1.5 billion tonnes of food are wasted globally every year, while annual food waste in Türkiye is estimated at between 23 and 26 million tonnes. Annual food waste per capita stands at around 102 kilograms. Although the largest share of waste occurs in households, the food service and retail sectors also account for a considerable proportion.

Calculations indicate that reducing food waste in Türkiye by just 10% could generate savings of approximately TRY 50 billion. The better we plan and manage logistics processes, the more we can reduce product losses and contribute to the national economy.

How do technology and digitalisation contribute to food safety and waste reduction?

Today, one of the most important issues in logistics is traceability. The more closely you can monitor operations, the faster you can respond to potential risks.

Thanks to our digital infrastructure, we can monitor our warehouses, vehicles, and product movements in real time. Temperature fluctuations or any operational deviations can be detected immediately, allowing us to take the necessary corrective actions without delay. Digital management of logistics processes not only improves operational efficiency but also strengthens food safety and makes a significant contribution to preventing product losses.

Finally, what message would you like to share with industry stakeholders regarding the reduction of food waste?

Combating food waste is not solely the responsibility of producers or retailers; it is a shared responsibility across every link of the supply chain. From the moment food is produced until it reaches the consumer, proper planning, robust cold chain management, and digital traceability systems are all essential.

If we want to build a sustainable food system, we need to view logistics not simply as a transportation service, but as a strategic process that directly influences food safety and resource efficiency. This perspective will play a vital role in reducing food waste while contributing to the development of a more sustainable food ecosystem.