The event organized by the Central Market of Thessaloniki S.A. on Friday, April 11, 2025, titled “Food Waste Prevention & Social Contribution: Setting up a Food Redistribution Structure in a Central Market”, was completed with great success.
This initiative took place within the framework of the European project LIFE-IP CEI-Greece – LIFE18 IPE/GR/000013 “Circular Economy Implementation in Greece”, coordinated by the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MEEN_, and the international exhibition of fruits and vegetables FRESKON of HELEXPO)
Representatives from various organizations, institutions, and social structures attended the event, with particular importance given to the participation of a delegation from the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment of the Republic of Cyprus, highlighting the significance of exchanging best practices at regional and cross-border levels.
The event was opened by the President of Central Market of Thessaloniki S.A., Mr. Thodoros Papadopoulos, who spoke about the long-standing mission of the Central Market and the food rescue initiative, which has had a significant social impact over the past seven years.
The event was coordinated by Mrs. Anastasia Bomba, Food Technologist and Project Manager of the LIFE-IP CEI-Greece project for Central Market of Thessaloniki S.A.
Mrs. Lina Toupektsi, MSc Agronomist, presented the Corporate Social Responsibility actions of Central Market of Thessaloniki S.A., emphasizing that food waste is a global challenge, with one-third of produced food never reaching the consumer.
Mrs. Maria Papadopoulou, Food Chemist, presented impressive figures from Central Market of Thessaloniki S.A.’s fruit and vegetable rescue activities. Between 2018 and 2024, a total of 1.813.307 tons of fruits and vegetables were collected, of which 1.369.946 tons were distributed to more than 70 social organizations in the Central Macedonia Region after sorting.
A significant moment of the event was the presentation of the Standard Operating Procedures Manual, which concerns the collection, sorting and distribution of unsold fruits and vegetables. This manual was the main impetus for the implementation of the event.
The day concluded with the second workshop focusing on the practical application of the manual. Participants responded to targeted questions related to organizing a food redistribution structure within the Central Market.
The event was accessible in sign language, enhancing inclusion and accessibility for all.
