What is 'Too Good To Go' and how does it work?

Too Good To Go was founded in 2016 in Denmark and has since expanded to over 17 countries, including the United States, Canada, and several European nations.

The app uses geolocation technology to match users with nearby businesses that have surplus food to sell at the end of the day, preventing this food from going to waste.

Businesses that partner with Too Good To Go prepare "Surprise Bags" containing a variety of unsold food items, which customers can purchase for a fraction of the original price, typically 30-50% off.

According to the company, Too Good To Go has saved over 300 million meals from going to waste, and has prevented the emission of 893,000 tons of CO2 equivalent.

The app operates on a "last-minute" basis, with Surprise Bags only available for pickup during a specific time window, usually within an hour or two of a business's closing time.

Too Good To Go uses a dynamic pricing model, with the price of Surprise Bags fluctuating based on factors like the type of food, the amount, and the time of day.

In addition to restaurants and bakeries, Too Good To Go also partners with grocery stores, cafes, and other food-related businesses to help reduce their food waste.

The app has been praised for its efforts to raise awareness about food waste, which is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions and a significant environmental problem.

Too Good To Go is a certified B Corporation, which means the company meets rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.

The app uses machine learning and data analysis to help its business partners optimize their inventory and reduce food waste, leading to cost savings and increased sustainability.

Too Good To Go has faced some criticism, with some users reporting that the Surprise Bags they received did not always meet their expectations in terms of the quality or quantity of the food.

The app's success has inspired the creation of similar food waste reduction apps in other parts of the world, such as OLIO and Karma, which also connect consumers with businesses that have surplus food.

Too Good To Go uses gamification techniques, such as awarding points and badges to users for their food-saving actions, to encourage continued engagement and participation in the app.

The app's environmental impact has been quantified, with the company estimating that each Surprise Bag purchased saves an average of 2.5 kg of CO2 emissions.

Too Good To Go has partnered with various organizations, including local governments and non-profit groups, to promote its mission of reducing food waste and promoting sustainability.

The app's user base has grown rapidly, with millions of downloads and active users across its various markets, reflecting the growing public awareness and concern about food waste.

Too Good To Go has been recognized for its innovative approach to addressing food waste, winning several awards and accolades, including the World Economic Forum's "Technology Pioneers" award.

The app's success has also led to the creation of a similar concept in the clothing industry, with "Too Good To Go" style apps emerging to help reduce textile waste.

Too Good To Go's business model has been studied by researchers and academics, who have explored the app's potential to serve as a template for other sustainable and circular economy initiatives.

The app's future growth and impact may depend on its ability to continue expanding its reach, diversifying its partnerships, and adapting to evolving consumer preferences and environmental concerns.