Efficient Supply Chains

Improving the efficiency of our food system through smarter supply chains, reduced waste, and resilient infrastructure that responds to future challenges.

Sustainability & Efficiency

We waste 10.2 million tonnes of food each year across the UK [1] . That’s food lost from farms, households, restaurants, manufacturing, and retail. The impact on the carbon footprint of our food system is huge.

Our food system accounts for 22% of the UK’s carbon footprint [2] , driven by energy intensive refrigeration, transportation, production processes and inputs like fertilisers on farms.

We're pioneering new technologies and innovations to transform how fresh produce moves through the food system.

By reducing waste and finding innovative uses for surplus produce, we can dramatically cut emissions and build a more sustainable future.

From farm to fork, we're making supply chains more efficient, productive, and resilient.

[1] Wrap 2025 report

[2] according to the Food and Drink Federation

Reducing Food Waste

Research specialists across our ecosystem are advancing innovation in horticulture and food distribution. Here's how we're making a difference:

Food Accelerator _ Nim's - 36 Small.jpeg

Reducing Food Waste

Smart technology extends the shelf-life of fresh produce at every stage:

Better growing methods that optimise plant health from the start
Precision harvesting timed to maximise quality and longevity
Yield predictions using AI to match supply with demand
Optimised storage conditions that keep produce fresher for longer
Product reformulation to reduce spoilage
Improved packaging designed for extended freshness

Decarbonising Supply Chains

We're deploying sensors, AI, and alternative energy to slash carbon emissions:

Smart cold stores that use less energy
Low-carbon transportation solutions
Novel processing techniques that reduce energy use

Data & Traceability

Software and agri-technology improve efficiency across production:

Automated administration freeing up time for innovation
Optimised production lines that minimise waste
Enhanced food safety tracking from field to consumer
Intelligent yield forecasting for better planning

Supply Chain Case Studies

Yellow and red raspberries in clear containers on a blue tablecloth. White mesh cover partially visible in the background.

Searching for Natural Resistance to the UK’s Biggest Soft Fruit Pest with Asplins

Asplins Producer Organisation and Niab utilised our R&D support to investigate whether specific strawberry and raspberry varieties could naturally resist spotted wing drosophila (SWD). While the project ultimately proved that varietal selection alone does not resist the pest, the research provided the industry with vital data, redirecting focus toward other essential control strategies.

Growing Kent & Medway

4 min read

Woman with long hair stands in a vineyard with bare vines, wearing a dark jacket. Sunny day, grass and vine rows in the background.

Detecting Vineyard Disease from Space Using AI Satellite Imagery with Deep Planet

Deep Planet, in collaboration with Niab and leading UK vineyards, utilised our support to develop an AI-driven disease monitoring system. By analysing satellite imagery, the project successfully demonstrated a cost-effective solution to predict fungal infections, protecting the UK's growing wine sector from yield losses.

Growing Kent & Medway

4 min read

Hands holding and sifting dark brown recycled coir outdoors, with a blurred background. The scene suggests gardening or farming.

Cutting Strawberry Carbon Emissions by 40% using Recycled Coir with Overland

British soft fruit growers could cut their carbon footprint by up to 40% by switching to recycled coconut coir. A large R&D grant project, supported by Growing Kent & Medway, enabled Kent-based Overland and Niab to scientifically validate a new recycling process. The trials proved the recycled material performs as well as virgin coir, cuts water use, and tackles the industry's massive waste problem.

Growing Kent & Medway

4 min read

Innovation Centres

GreenTech Hub for Advanced Horticulture, Niab

Specialising in fruit crops, research expertise includes genetics and breeding, pest and disease control, and crop production systems.

The Biotechnology Hub, University of Kent

With new cutting-edge equipment, research focuses on plant biology, post-harvest, and packaging to support sustainable food and drink production.

Produce Quality Centre, University of Greenwich

Experts in reducing postharvest losses and improving the storage of perishable fresh produce.

Useful Links

Wrap:

FDF: https://www.fdf.org.uk/fdf/resources/publications/guidance/net-zero-handbook/