Tech Roundup: Brazilian Startup Food To Save Aims to Combat Food Waste
Welcome to our Tech Roundup, where we bring you the latest developments in technology and innovation across Brazil and Latin America. This week, we spotlight a remarkable Brazilian startup making waves in the food industry: Food To Save, an enterprise that is helping restaurants and supermarkets mitigate food waste while achieving significant revenue growth.
Food To Save to Reach Over USD 13 Million in Revenue This Year
Food To Save, a Brazilian food tech startup, is set for a substantial milestone this year, projecting revenues to surpass BRL 72 million (approximately USD 13 million). This marks an impressive growth trajectory, nearly doubling its 2023 results. Launched in May 2021, the startup has been on a mission to reduce food waste, and this year, they aim to achieve a critical marker: saving over 4 million tons of food.
Why It Matters
Food waste is a pressing concern globally, and Brazil is no exception. According to the United Nations Environment Program’s (UNEP) Food Waste Index, Brazil had an estimated food waste of 94 kg per capita per year in 2023. This data resulted from a pilot project conducted in over 100 households across five regions in Rio de Janeiro.
The Broader Context
Brazil ranks as the eighth-highest country in Latin America and the Caribbean for food waste. More alarmingly, 31 percent of the discarded food was still edible. This startling statistic underscores the critical need for initiatives like Food To Save. The practice of selling items nearing their expiration dates or those cosmetically imperfect but otherwise fine for consumption can profoundly influence reducing this waste.
How Food To Save Works
Food To Save collaborates with restaurants and supermarkets, employing smart technology to identify and repurpose food that would otherwise be discarded. This approach not only helps businesses minimize waste but also contributes to sustainability efforts and operational efficiency. By offering these items at that nearing expiration dates but still within safe consumption periods, they provide consumers with discounted food, thus fostering a more sustainable consumption cycle.
The Impact on Brazil’s Food Waste Challenge
The initiative by Food To Save is timely and aligned with broader efforts to tackle food insecurity and environmental impact in Brazil. By reaching the goal of saving over 4 million tons of food, the startup is making a tangible difference. These efforts echo larger global movements towards sustainability and efficient resource use.
Looking Ahead
The success of Food To Save illustrates how innovative solutions can address longstanding issues like food waste. As the UNEP’s pilot project expands to more regions and informs future estimates, businesses and consumers alike will increasingly recognize the value of reducing food waste. For Food To Save, the next steps involve scaling up operations, forging more partnerships, and continuing to educate the public on the importance of sustainable practices in food consumption.
As technology and innovation continue to evolve, startups like Food To Save illuminate the path towards a more sustainable future. Their remarkable growth and impact serve as an inspiration for businesses worldwide aiming to merge profitability with social responsibility.
For more information about the startup, visit Food To Save.
