refreshi connects surplus food from supermarkets, coffee shops, bakeries and delis with consumers at great prices – supporting a more sustainable South Africa.
Imagine a world where perfectly good food never goes to waste but instead finds its way to people who appreciate it at an affordable price. That’s the vision behind refreshi, a game-changing platform that connects surplus food with savvy consumers looking for quality meals at unbeatable prices. By doing so, refreshi helps businesses turn excess stock into profit while making sustainability effortless in South Africa.
Surplus Food Needs a Smart Solution
Food surplus is a growing challenge. While millions of South Africans struggle to afford meals, an estimated 10 million tonnes of food go unsold or uneaten each year. refreshi is here to bridge that gap, giving surplus food a second chance, reducing waste, and making quality meals more accessible to everyone.
So, why does all this extra food exist in the first place? A few common reasons include overproduction, supply chain hiccups, and strict sell-by dates that cause businesses to throw away food that’s still fresh. The hospitality and retail sectors generate a considerable portion of this surplus, from unsold pastries at bakeries to restaurant meals that never make it to the table.
The Impact of Surplus Food is Bigger Than You Think
- Around 20 million South Africans go to bed hungry every night while so much food remains untouched.
- Food waste accounts for nearly 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions – that’s more than the aviation industry!
- The world loses an estimated $1.2 trillion annually due to food waste, and in South Africa, rising food prices are making it harder for consumers to afford everyday essentials.
Beyond these numbers, there’s also the environmental cost. When food decomposes in landfills, it releases methane, a greenhouse gas even more potent than carbon dioxide. Addressing the surplus of food isn’t just about saving meals. It’s about protecting the planet and ensuring resources like water and energy are not wasted on food that never gets eaten.
Who refreshi Benefits and How It Works?
Whether you’re a food lover looking for great deals or a business looking to attract more customers and boost revenue, refreshi makes participating in a more sustainable food system simple.
For Consumers: Eat Well and Save More
- Download the refreshi app and browse Surprise Bags from your favourite restaurants, grocery stores, bakeries, and cafés.
- Purchase surplus food at huge discounts (because who doesn’t love a good deal?).
- Pick up your meal at a scheduled time and enjoy lekker food while helping the planet.
By making surplus food more affordable, refreshi helps consumers stretch their budgets while discovering new places to eat. Plus, it’s a fun and exciting way to get a surprise meal!

For Businesses: Turn Surplus into Success
- List your surplus food on the app instead of throwing it away.
- Attract new customers while turning unsold food into revenue.
- Reduce environmental impact and be part of a more sustainable South Africa.
- Gain insights into food savings, CO2 reduction, and sustainability impact.
Businesses using refreshi can reach new customers who are eager to support sustainability efforts while saving money. By reducing surplus food, businesses also save on disposal costs and enhance their brand reputation as eco-conscious establishments.

Why refreshi is Different, and Why You’ll Love It
refreshi isn’t just another food app, it’s a movement. Here’s what makes it unique:
- refreshi connects people and businesses who share a passion for reducing food waste.
- A seamless, user-friendly app makes food rescue accessible to everyone.
- refreshi helps South Africa meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals for food waste reduction.
- Consumers get to enjoy great meals at lower prices, while businesses make money off food that would have been thrown away.
Small Changes, Big Impact
Reducing food waste isn’t just good for our pockets, it’s a crucial step toward building a more sustainable world. Similar initiatives around the globe have already saved millions of meals, proving that when businesses and consumers work together, real change is possible.
refreshi is helping to create a more responsible and efficient food system by making small changes in how food is distributed. Every Surprise Bag purchased prevents good food from being thrown away, reduces environmental harm, and supports local businesses. The impact of these choices extends beyond individual savings, it strengthens communities and fosters a culture of mindful consumption.
Convinced?
If you’re a business looking to make a difference while boosting your bottom line, partner with refreshi today. And if you’re a consumer eager to enjoy fantastic food at unbeatable prices, download refreshi now and be part of the change.
Let’s work towards a future where every meal counts, every business benefits, and every community thrives through smarter, more sustainable food choices.
Together, we can refresh the way South Africa consumes food – one meal at a time!