Use this app to reduce food waste
SANDTON – A new start-up called Just Now aims to reduce food wastage through an app that gives discounted prices on food items near expiry.
A new South African start-up company which operates in the food waste environment is set on reducing food wastage through an innovative smart advertising mobile application.
Just Now is the brainchild of Alexandre Vellieux and Brad Constantinescu.
The application helps both large and small businesses save money while increasing revenue and client engagement.
The start-up was launched in October last year after Vellieux travelled to Europe and saw similar methods to discard of food close to its expiry date.
“It works just like Airbnb for finding fresh food offers. We do the same with fresh food offers. Food waste is becoming a real problem and governments are starting to tackle the issue by compelling food distributors to stop disposing of their expired products.
“One-third of the food produced all over the world for human consumption gets damaged or wasted and in Africa, the food currently lost could feed 300 million people. The more users we have the more sites we can propose to potential customers,” said Vellieux.
When asked about the app, he said, “When you open the app there will be red dots at participating stores. It then shows you an item with the discount and how much stock is left and when the deal will expire.”
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When the user selects the item, they go to the till and scan the barcode and the discount will be applied to the item.
Currently, the app is available at seven Woolworths stores with expansions to more branches, supermarkets, restaurants and bakeries set for the future.
Just Now currently promotes products for five Engen Woolworths at:
- Engen Edenburg in Rivonia
- Engen Main Road in Bryanston
- Engen Conrad in Blairgowrie
- Engen Ferndale in Ferndale
- Engen Empire Road in Auckland Park.
Do you think companies should take responsibility for their food waste and how? Let us know by posting your comments to the Sandton Chronicle Facebook page.
