Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Food waste has become an increasing challenge for the food and beverage (F&B) industry, which brings about significant economic, operational and sustainability concerns. While previous studies have mainly focused on the environmental consequences of food waste, limited attention has been given to its implications for business performance and employee career outcomes, particularly in developing countries such as Vietnam. This study aims to examine the effects of food waste on financial performance and self-perceived employability in Vietnam’s F&B industry, while investigating the mediating role of financial performance and the moderating role of employee competence. Based on the Resource-Based View (RBV) and Human Capital Theory (HCT), a research model was developed and empirically tested using data collected from 309 employees working in food processing and food service businesses in Vietnam. The data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS 3. The findings indicate that ingredient waste, preparation waste, and consumption waste significantly influence financial performance. Financial performance also positively affects self-perceived employability and mediates the relationships between food waste dimensions and employees’ career perceptions. Furthermore, employee competence strengthens the management of preparation and consumption waste and positively enhances employees’ perceived employability. This study extends existing food waste literature by highlighting its economic and human resource implications and provides practical insights for Vietnamese F&B businesses in improving operational efficiency, developing employee capabilities, and promoting sustainable growth.
Authors: Quan Nguyen Van, Duc Anh Pham
Institution: Academy of Policy and Development
Language: English
Subfield: Food Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7203607655