Food surplus redistribution in the European policy context: Assessing the impact of socio-technical systems

• The SIR platform in Italy is analyzed to measure the integration of digital tools with the European CMO framework for surplus management. • Over 224,000 tons of fresh produce were redistributed to charities, supporting food security and sustainability. • Redistribution efforts reduced waste and avoided disposal of fresh products resulting a sustainable approach to food waste prevention. • Economic analysis shows €258 M of fresh FV products redistributed to charities, providing a Social Value of €182.76 M. • The scenario assessment demonstrates the transformative impact of socio-technical innovations in policy diffusion. The fruit and vegetable (F&V) sector in Europe is increasingly affected by market crisis that lead to price volatility and overproduction, generating significant food surpluses and associated economic, environmental, and social costs. This study provides a quantification of the value provided by the Common Market Organization crisis management measure, specifically the market withdrawal mechanism for the free redistribution of surplus F&V products to charities. The case study is based on an innovative socio-technical system developed in a form of a digital platform in the Emilia-Romagna region in Italy. Using a comparative scenario-based approach, the study quantifies the redistribution value of surplus F&V products from 2012 to 2023. The findings highlight the platform’s key role in mitigating the adverse effects of market crises by reducing food waste and redistributing surplus to charitable organizations, benefiting over two million individuals. In the observed scenario, surplus redistribution generated €258 million in value for human consumption while avoiding €12 million in waste disposal costs, achieving a Net Social Value (NSV) of €182 million. The analysis emphasizes the importance of socio-technical innovations in enhancing the efficiency and equity of public policy interventions, offering a replicable model for sustainable food systems. Policy recommendations include expanding participation in market withdrawals and fostering digital innovations to align sustainability and socio-economic objectives.