Zomato, one of India’s top food delivery platforms, is making headlines with a new initiative aimed at reducing food wastage from cancelled orders. Announced by CEO Deepinder Goyal, the “Food Rescue” program seeks to offer a practical solution to the issue, addressing the over 400,000 monthly cancelled orders that result in a large amount of discarded food. This innovative approach is generating positive sentiment among investors, as evidenced by Zomato’s shares trading 1.13% higher at ₹251.54 on the NSE as of 11:39 am today.
Despite Zomato’s strict no-refund policy for cancelled orders, significant food wastage occurs each month when prepared meals are thrown away, leading to increased disposal costs and environmental impact. Many of these cancelled orders remain suitable for consumption, and the “Food Rescue” program aims to bridge the gap by making this food available to nearby consumers at a discounted rate.
Under this initiative, when a customer cancels an order, Zomato will notify nearby users through its app, allowing them to purchase the meal at a reduced price. This fast-tracked process ensures that the food reaches a new consumer while maintaining quality and safety standards. Delivery partners will also be compensated for both the initial delivery attempt and the final drop-off, which adds a layer of incentive and ensures seamless logistics.
This program not only minimizes food wastage but also offers an affordable meal option to other consumers, creating a win-win solution for all involved.
