Turning Leftover Food into Profit: The Entrepreneur Behind 'Too Good To Go'

This article tells the story of Jamie Crummie, an entrepreneur who recognized the growing problem of food waste and saw an opportunity to create a solution. He co-founded the innovative app 'Too Good To Go,' which connects consumers to local businesses that have surplus food, allowing them to purchase this food at a discount. This simple idea has had a significant impact on both the environment and the bottom line for participating businesses.

• Crummie's inspiration stemmed from witnessing firsthand the vast amounts of food waste in his previous role at an events agency in Australia.
• 'Too Good To Go' aims to reduce the 10.7 million tonnes of food wasted annually in the UK alone, contributing to over 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
• The app has saved over 40 million meals in the UK, demonstrating the growing awareness and impact of the company's mission.

The Entrepreneur's Approach to Sustainability

Crummie emphasizes that 'Too Good To Go' is a sustainable business model by design. The company's mission aligns perfectly with its scalability, meaning the more businesses and consumers participate, the greater the environmental impact.

• The app works for both businesses and consumers, reducing waste for businesses and providing a way for consumers to make a direct impact on the environment.
• The company's expansion into 19 markets across three continents showcases the scalability and global appeal of its mission.

Collaboration and Speed: Keys to the Entrepreneur's Success

Crummie believes that tackling big issues like food waste requires collaboration between businesses, governments, and consumers. He stresses the importance of working together to find solutions.

• 'Too Good To Go' has partnered with over 20,000 businesses in the UK, including major supermarket chains like Morrisons.
• Crummie advocates for embracing speed and feedback when launching new products, emphasizing that perfectionism can hinder progress.

Redefining Success: Impact over Metrics

Crummie defines success not only by reaching milestones but also by the impact the company has on society. He emphasizes that every meal saved is a step closer to achieving their goal of zero food waste.

• The company's focus on impact has driven its growth and the development of innovative solutions.
• 'Too Good To Go' is proving that purpose-driven businesses can make a real difference in addressing global challenges.

The Entrepreneur's Vision for the Future

Crummie is excited about the potential of emerging retail technology, specifically the 'Too Good To Go Platform,' launched in 2024. This platform provides an end-to-end surplus food management solution for grocery retailers, helping them reduce waste and manage excess inventory.

• This innovative platform integrates with the company's marketplace app, creating a comprehensive solution for grocery retailers.
• Crummie believes that this type of innovation will significantly change the food waste landscape.

Key Takeaways for Entrepreneurs:

• Recognize opportunities in existing challenges like food waste.
• Prioritize collaboration and partnership to address complex issues.
• Focus on impact and sustainability when building your business.
• Embrace speed and feedback to drive growth and innovation.

'Too Good To Go' is an example of how entrepreneurs can create innovative solutions for social and environmental problems, demonstrating the power of collaboration and purpose-driven business models to make a real difference in the world.