13/05/2011Every three years the Düsseldorf Fair in Germany organizes Interpack, an international trade fair for the global packaging industry. At Interpack 2011 the theme will focus on the huge amount of food that gets lost and wasted worldwide while millions of people, especially in low-income countries, are short of food.

During the fair, Interpack 2011 and the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Department of FAO will organise the international congress Save Food! to raise awareness of the extent and causes of global food losses.  The congress is also aimed at highlighting how improved packaging along the food value chain can make a positive contribution to the fight against the pressing global issue of large-scale food losses and waste. To support the congress, FAO commissioned two desk studies, one on Global food losses and food waste, and the other on Appropriate food packaging solutions for developing countries. The results of the studies will be presented during the Save Food! congress and will provide the background for roundtable discussions involving key stakeholders in the food value chain.

In addition to the congress, FAO will organise an exhibition at the fair from 12 to 18 May, where the key messages relating to the theme of the congress will be displayed and contacts with interested stakeholders in the food packaging sector will be made.