3 Ways Foodservice Suppliers Can Help Restaurants and Cafes Reduce Food Waste

In foodservice, waste isn’t just an environmental concern — it’s lost profit.

Every ingredient that goes to waste instead of on a plate chips away at margins, operational efficiency, and sustainability efforts. And in an industry where cost pressures are high and consumer expectations even higher, restaurants and cafes can’t afford to throw money or produce away.

As a foodservice supplier, you’re not just a logistics partner. You’re a knowledge hub, a trusted advisor, and a key part of the supply chain. That means you’re in a prime position to help your customers fight food waste.

Here’s how you can support your restaurant and cafe partners in reducing food waste.

1. Educate Customers on Shelf Life and Storage Best Practices

A large portion of foodservice waste is caused by improper storage. Whether it’s leafy greens wilting too soon or dairy spoiling before its use-by date, much of this waste is preventable with the right knowledge. That’s where you come in.

Use your touchpoints (deliveries, check-ins, and newsletters) to share practical storage tips tailored to your product range. For example:

• Educate kitchen staff on which items are sensitive to temperature fluctuations and which thrive in humidity-controlled environments.

• Share FIFO (First In, First Out) best practices so older stock is used before newer items.

• Offer quick-reference guides or stickers that help teams remember ideal storage temperatures and shelf lives.

These small touches go a long way. When your customers understand how to handle their ingredients properly, they waste less — and thank you more.

2. Facilitate Donations with Food Rescue Programs

Not all surplus is avoidable, but not all surplus needs to go to waste. When restaurants and cafes find themselves with excess stock they can’t use, you can help them donate it to local food rescue organisations instead of discarding it.

Make it easy for your customers to get involved:

• Provide information on which local programs accept food donations, what their requirements are, and how to coordinate pickups.

• Offer donation-friendly packaging options that make it simple to store and transport surplus.

Supporting food rescue programs not only prevents waste but also strengthens your brand’s community impact and social responsibility.

3. Leverage AI and Data Analytics for Smarter Ordering

Forecasting demand can be tricky, but that's where you can make a real difference. By leveraging AI-powered tools, you can stay on top of the needs of your customers and predict their orders more accurately based on historical data. 

Here’s how FOBOH can help:

• AI-Powered Demand Forecasting: Analyse historical order data, seasonal trends, and external factors like local events or weather. This enables smarter replenishment suggestions and more accurate orders.

• Smarter Inventory Management: With real-time data, customers can maintain the right inventory levels, reducing excess stock that leads to spoilage.

• Proactive Adjustments: When external factors impact demand, gain recommendations in real time, ensuring stock levels remain aligned with actual needs.

FOBOH’s AI agents are your foodservice assistant and the bridge between you and your cafe and restaurant partners. By working smarter through your inventory management and ordering systems, you can focus more on strengthening your relationships with and  providing data-driven insights that lead to smarter decision-making.

In other words, when you bring data to the table, everyone wins.

Ready to Turn Waste Into Opportunity?

Waste reduction is a shared mission in foodservice, and as a supplier, you’re in a prime position to lead the way. By equipping your customers with practical knowledge, connecting them to food rescue programs, and offering AI-powered insights, you become a trusted partner in their sustainability journey.

Let’s chat about how FOBOH can help you and your customers operate smarter and more efficiently, reducing waste and boosting profitability.