Food loss as an indicator of the balance of innovation in the food chain

The purpose of the article is to assess the impact of innovation-investment processes on reducing food losses in the food chain and food waste; to justify the factors that can influence a country's progress in reducing food losses and food waste. Research methods. The study used methods of systematic generalization and empirical (for a comprehensive assessment of the current state of innovation processes in the food industry at the stages of the food chain), linear regression method (for a determine the dependence of the food loss index and food waste on factors that may affect their reduction), analytical, comparison and abstractlogical methods (for theoretical generalizations and formulation of conclusions). Research results. Food losses from their passage through the food chain stages have been estimated using the Laspeyres Index (FLI), which makes it possible to assess the progress of the agri-food sector in reducing losses. It was determined that in 2018, the cost of food loss was 12.6% higher than in 2010, and the only food industries that have succeeded in reducing their losses are the sugar, oil and egg industries. Starting in 2014 and up to the present, the volume of food waste also tends to increase. The agri-food sector of Ukraine needs innovative modernization, because due to the insufficient level of implementation of innovative processes at the stages of the food chain, Ukraine annually loses thousands of tons of food. Scientific novelty. A close link between the food loss index and the level of capital investment in the food and agriculture sectors has been identified. An increase in capital investment causes a reduction in food losses in the transportation and storage of food. The increase in foreign investment in the food industry, in particular investment in innovative production upgrades (purchases of machinery, equipment and software) is closely linked to reducing the level of food waste. Practical significance. The results of the researches have scientific and practical character and contain information on the effectiveness of the food loss control system in the food chain stages in Ukraine. Factors that can reduce waste losses are given. The results obtained are the basis for further scientific research, forecasting the development of the food industry and agriculture, making decisions on state support for the development of their main industries. Tabl.: 3. Figs.: 3. Refs.: 13.