Description
Karma serves as a connection point between consumers and restaurants and grocery stores with surplus food to sell. Users of the service can buy surplus food from restaurants and grocery stores at discounted prices, thus promoting sustainability, while reducing food waste and CO2 emissions.
Technology
The Karma mobile app can be downloaded to Android and Apple devices in the Swedish, English and French languages, and plans are in place at the time of writing to launch a browser version. Gift cards are available, redeemable through Karma for purchases from all participating restaurants, cafes and shops.
Target
Karma supports all types of food producers (Unlike food delivery services, which usually only work with restaurants or grocery stores), including restaurant chains, cafes, bakeries, hotel chains, grocery stores and wholesalers. The main target users of Karma are food consumers who want to reduce food waste by purchasing surplus food at discounted prices. Karma carries a list of over 9000 restaurants and cafes in more than 225 locations across Europe as of June 2024.
Business model
Karma takes a small commission on each item sold. It is estimated that restaurants selling through Karma contribute SEK 100 000–120 000 to their sales every year (approx. USD 9700while grocery stores are estimated to increase their sales by SEK 500 000 extra.
Impact
According to Karma, 1200 t of food have been rescued, 4 million meals have been saved and 1800 t of CO2 emissions have been prevented. At the time of writing Karma claims on its website to have 9200 partners and 1.4 million users, and is the recipient of “Startup of the Year” award.
Partners
Electrolux
Four Betters
Better environment
Better life
Better nutrition
