One of the startling findings of our work has been the high levels of
product wastage in many of the chains. In some cases as little of
50% or 60% of the product harvest is packed out as prime product.
There may then be further mark downs or losses at the retail level as
product approaches its sell by date.
There would be a big payback if companies all along the chain
carefully monitor product losses, identify the root causes and
develop plans to reduce the losses. These might range from
adjusting harvesting or production processes to reconsidering
product / packaging specifications in conjunction with retailers.