Food Waste in Greenland: A Growing Concern
According to the latest sustainability report from Kalaallit Nunaanni Brugseni, the grocery chain’s food waste last year amounted to a staggering DKK 11.6 million. This figure starkly contrasts with the previous year, where the total value of discarded food was approximately DKK 9 million—two million kroner less.
Brugseni operates 16 grocery stores across key locations, including Nuuk, Ilulissat, and Qaqortoq. In its report, the company explains that while it strives to minimize waste, certain food items must inevitably be thrown away. “Food waste not only represents a financial loss but also has significant environmental consequences,” the report states.
The uptick in food waste for 2025 has been attributed to a combination of inadequate tracking of internal procedures and a surge in sales, leading to an increased volume of goods and, consequently, more waste. Despite the alarming figures, KNB is currently unable to provide specifics on the total weight of discarded food, as measuring food waste by weight is not yet part of their internal processes.
A Pause for Reflection
In light of these challenges, Brugseni has temporarily halted its working group focused on reducing food waste. The company is awaiting a new sustainability strategy, hoping it will pave the way for more effective initiatives.
Among the measures previously explored are specialized cooling systems for items nearing their expiry dates and the distribution of unsold food as animal feed.
This issue of food waste is not isolated; just recently, Pilersuisoq, another grocery chain under the self-governing KNI, reported similar losses, discarding food valued at DKK 11.2 million in its latest accounting period. As the stakes grow higher, it becomes ever more critical for companies like Brugseni to address this challenge head-on and implement meaningful changes.