Description
OLIO is a peer-2-peer mobile app that connects users addressing the problems of food and material waste in their home & local community by facilitating exchanges and trade at a community level. Users take a photo of any spare food, clothes or furniture in their possession and upload it to the app; their neighbours then receive customized alerts letting them know something new has been added. They can then request what they want and arrange a pick up time via private messaging within the app. The handover of the food takes place on the doorstep or in a public location, generally on the same day. There are options to give, sell or lend items in different sections of the app. If they want to sell the item, there is a secure payment portal within the app.
Technology
The OLIO app features a secure payment server to handle payments for items listed in the for-sale section. The app can also be accessed on a PC or MAC through the use of the BlueStack Android emulator.
Target
Olio is available in English and Spanish in 54 countries, and can be accessed by anyone with an Android or iOS device. Listings can be made in local languages as well. Users must be over the age of 18 years.
Business model
The OLIO app and services are free for customers to use after downloading the app. Users pay only for the items they purchase through the app, for which payments are made through a secure integrated e-payment app. OLIO is a for-profit company that generates revenues by charging private businesses for their contributions to the creation of zero food waste stores based on a volunteer program within OLIO that arranges for the pick-up of surplus food from businesses. The service was originally funded by a combination of venture capital, impact investments, revenues and grants. The app also includes a profile section that lists each user’s impact on how they reduce food and water waste.
Impact
Launched in 2016 in the United Kingdom, OLIO now has over 3 million members. According to the website, users have together saved 11 million food portions –equivalent to taking 33 million car miles off the road. Half of all the food added to the app is requested within 30 minutes. Although OLIO was first launched in the United Kingdom, most of its activity is outside the country, where food has been shared successfully in 54 countries to date. OLIO’s growth both within the UK and beyond has been powered by the over 60 000 people who have reached out to offer to help spread the word about OLIO (Ambassadors), and by the 10 000 trained volunteers (Food Waste Heroes) who collect and redistribute unsold food from local businesses such as Tesco, Pret a Manger and Compass Catering. OLIO started out as a food waste elimination app, but has now moved on to include recyclables and items with second-hand value, such as furniture, clothes and household items.
Four Betters
Better nutrition
Better environment
