A groundbreaking food rescue app has made its way to Argentina, offering a smart solution to the country’s mounting food waste problem. The app, which connects consumers with discounted surplus food from various retailers, has already gained significant traction in Mexico and Chile.
The newly launched platform allows Argentinians to purchase surprise food packages at steep discounts, ranging from 50% to 65% off regular prices. These packages can include a variety of items such as baked goods, fresh produce, dairy products, and deli meats.
This innovative approach comes at a crucial time for Argentina. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the country discards a staggering 16 million tonnes of food annually, equivalent to 12.5% of its agro-industrial output. This wastage not only impacts the economy but also contributes to harmful greenhouse gas emissions.
The app’s entry into the Argentine market is backed by a partnership with a major retailer. Plans are in place to expand to over 30 stores by March, with a goal of reaching more than 300 establishments across the country by the end of 2025.
“Argentina’s rich food culture and growing environmental awareness make it an ideal market for our app,” says the company’s CEO. “Given the current economic climate, our platform offers a win-win solution – providing affordable food options for consumers while helping businesses reduce waste.”
The app operates on a marketplace model, taking a commission from participating businesses. Users can easily register, browse nearby options, choose a food category, pay through the platform, and collect their surprise package from the selected location.
Since its inception, the app has made significant strides in addressing food waste. It has successfully rescued over 5.68 million kilograms of food, preventing the emission of more than 14.2 million kilograms of CO2. With over 3 million downloads and partnerships with over 2,000 businesses, the platform has demonstrated its effectiveness in other markets.
In Chile, where the app launched in October 2023, it quickly amassed 1.5 million users within a year. The company’s CEO anticipates similar growth in Argentina, citing the country’s environmental consciousness and economic conditions as key factors that could drive adoption.
As Argentina grapples with its food waste crisis, this innovative app presents a promising solution. By connecting consumers with discounted surplus food, it not only helps reduce waste but also provides affordable access to quality food items. As the platform expands its reach across the country, it has the potential to make a significant impact on both food waste reduction and consumer savings in Argentina.
