We analyzed data of preconsumer waste from 114 restaurant sites, locatedacross 12 countries, and calculated the following results:• The average benefit-cost ratio for food waste reduction was 7:1 over athree-year time frame.• Within the first year of implementing a food waste–reduction program,76 percent of the sites had recouped their investment. Within two yearsof implementing a program, 89 percent of the sites had recouped theirinvestment.• By reducing food waste, the average site saved more than two cents onevery dollar of cost of goods sold (COGS).• There appears to be no clear correlation between benefit-cost ratios and asite’s market segment or geography.• Key strategies for achieving food waste reduction were to measure the foodwaste, engage staff, reduce food overproduction, rethink inventory andpurchasing practices, and repurpose excess food.