Unverschwendet: How the business concept of redistribution of surplus fruits and vegetables works
On 25 September 2024, LOWINFOOD partner Elisabeth Schmied (BOKU University) presented at the Retaste Conference the results and the lessons learnt in the implementation and optimization of the Unverschwendet innovation in Austria.
Unverschwendet was founded with the aim of addressing the problem of surplus food originating at farms or industries, including food products of irregular sizes, damaged peel, or excess quantities, which often render products unsuitable for traditional retail channels. Despite being perfectly edible, such items face logistical and economic hurdles in finding buyers. To address this issue, companies like Unverschwendet purchase surplus food from suppliers and bridge the gap between supply and demand through a network of partners. By purchasing surplus fruit and vegetables and coordinating its transportation, storage and potential processing, UNV connects suppliers with suitable buyers in a manner that maximizes its market value.
During its participation in LOWINFOOD, this company’s approach was optimized and expanded, increasing its redistribution capacity from 25 tons in 2018 to 370 tons in 2023. In order to replicate this successful model, guidelines have been designed for this kind of company. Among success factors, Elisabeth pointed out the importance of having a large product and service portfolio, a dynamic and stable network (both of providers and buyers), appropriate pricing, and transparent communication with collaborators, among others.
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