Kiwis and Their Doggy Bags: Food Waste in NZ Restaurants

In a recent interview on Seven Sharp, our CEO Marisa Bidois discussed findings from our latest survey on Kiwis’ attitudes toward taking leftover food home from restaurants.

Our research reveals that more than half of New Zealand restaurants actively offer doggy bags to their customers. The survey found that families and those over 60 are most likely to request takeaway containers for their leftovers, while solo diners and couples are less inclined to do so. Young adults aged 18-30 are the least likely group to take home their uneaten food.

As Marisa explains in the video, this reluctance among younger diners might be due to social stigma, or because they often head out after dinner and don’t want to carry leftovers. Unlike in the United States, where there has been a shift in doggy bag behaviour, our restaurant members report no change in local attitudes.

The interview highlights that older generations may be more conscious about food waste due to the traditional mindset of “cleaning your plate,” while current economic conditions also influence decisions to take leftovers home.

In the Seven Sharp segment, you’ll also hear about our pilot program called Kai Keepers, involving 100 restaurants and cafes, which focuses on reducing food waste through menu design and other tools. We’re excited about the potential to expand this to a nationwide program next year.