Avaliação de perdas no setor de hortifrúti de um supermercado no município de Uruçuí-PI

Abstract

The retail sector is of great importance for the marketing of fruits, vegetables, and greens; however, that produce sector is responsible for significant losses due to the high perishability of the products, inadequate storage conditions, and handling errors. In this context, the research aimed to quantify product losses over six weeks, identifying patterns of deterioration and their causes. The research was conducted through direct observation, document review, and interviews with employees responsible for the sector. During the analyzed period, the discarded products were weighed and compared with the volume received, allowing for the calculation of inputs and losses. The data analysis indicated that highly perishable items presented higher loss rates, resulting from accelerated ripening, improper handling, and inadequate storage conditions. The results also showed that more durable products also suffered significant losses, highlighting flaws in management processes. The final considerations indicate that waste in the sector is multifactorial and can be reduced through integrated strategies, such as employee training, improved storage, and