As International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste approaches, Carnival Corporation, the world’s largest cruise company, has shared significant progress in its efforts to reduce food waste. In alignment with global efforts to fight food loss, Carnival Corporation remains dedicated to reducing its environmental impact and supporting food sustainability. A key part of these efforts is the company’s Italian cruise line, Costa Cruises, which has expanded its innovative 4GOODFOOD food donation program.
Global Efforts to Minimise Food Waste
Food waste is a major global issue, with an estimated 40% of the food supply going to waste. Carnival Corporation has committed to reducing this figure across its entire fleet, implementing new technologies and strategies to minimise unused food in dining services and food preparation. Earlier this year, the company announced that it had already surpassed its 2025 food waste reduction goal, achieving a remarkable 42% reduction in food waste compared to 2019. The cruise line remains on track to meet its 50% food waste reduction target by 2030.
At the annual Champions 12.3 event, held during Climate Week NYC, Jan Swartz, executive vice president of strategic operations for Carnival Corporation, shared updates on the company's food waste achievements. Swartz has become a significant advocate for change in the global food system, and her participation in Champions 12.3, an international coalition focused on achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for food waste, marks the first time the cruise industry has been represented.
Costa Cruises’ 4GOODFOOD Initiative
Costa Cruises is a leader in Carnival’s mission to reduce food waste, thanks to its 4GOODFOOD program. Launched in 2017, this initiative aims to donate surplus prepared meals to local community food banks, ensuring that food that is not served onboard is put to good use. The program, developed in partnership with the Fondazione Banco Alimentare food bank charity, has expanded across various Mediterranean and Caribbean ports.
The latest expansion of the 4GOODFOOD program sees the addition of Palma de Mallorca and Valencia as the 15th and 16th ports to benefit from meal donations. Since its inception, over 300,000 portions of food have been donated, supporting communities in need across 16 ports.
Costa Cruises’ food donation efforts have received praise for their innovative approach. As Swartz explains, “We are committed to creating unforgettable experiences for our guests, and that extends to how we manage food responsibly on board. Our aim is not only to reduce waste but also to make sure the remaining food goes to those who need it most.”
Supporting Local Communities
The 4GOODFOOD program doesn’t stop at donating meals. Costa Cruises has also implemented a variety of food-saving techniques onboard, including revising over 500 recipes to optimise meal production, utilising Winnow kitchen scales that track food waste in real-time, and training galley staff on best practices to reduce waste during food preparation. The line has also engaged its guests in food waste awareness through its "Too Good to Waste" campaign, promoting responsible dining both onboard and ashore.
Looking to the future, Carnival Corporation aims to expand the meal donation program to other ports in the Caribbean and Latin America, working closely with local officials to assess the feasibility of this extension. The company’s dedication to reducing food waste while contributing to communities reflects its broader commitment to sustainable operations from ship to shore.
Building a Sustainable Future
As the world's largest cruise company, Carnival Corporation continues to set a benchmark for sustainable food practices within the industry. Through the ongoing expansion of its 4GOODFOOD program and its commitment to reducing food waste, Costa Cruises exemplifies the company's mission to combine unforgettable guest experiences with responsible environmental stewardship.
For more information on Carnival Corporation’s initiatives and how you can support sustainable travel, reach out to S.W. Black Travel. We are proud to partner with eco-conscious brands, ensuring that your travel plans align with a commitment to the environment. Book a call now for expert travel advice and personalised cruise experiences that focus on sustainability.
Comments