#Japan #Tokyo #Food Waste #Too Good To Go

Too Good To Go Launches in Japan

Too Good To Go, recognized as the world’s largest marketplace dedicated to surplus food, has officially announced its launch in Japan. This move signifies its 21st country of operation and also marks its first expansion in Asia. The service will initially be available in popular areas such as Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Meguro, collaborating with over 80 partners including well-known brands like Krispy Kreme Doughnuts and FamilyMart along with local favorites like the bakery Dream On.

One of the standout features introduced for the Japanese market is the Station Search Function, designed to help users easily locate surplus food near train stations, a thoughtful adaptation to fit the daily routines of local commuters.

Mette Lykke, the CEO of Too Good To Go, emphasized the significance of this expansion into Japan, stating, "Japan represents an incredibly important step in our global journey. With its strong culture of quality, care, and respect for food, we see a natural alignment with our mission to reduce food waste. Food waste is one of the biggest challenges of our time, and by making it easy and enjoyable to do the right thing, we empower individuals and businesses to be part of meaningful change."

The statistics reveal Japan's pressing issue with food waste: over 22 million tons of food waste were generated in the country in 2023, including 4.64 million tons of edible food. In response, the Japanese government has set ambitious national targets, aiming for a 50% reduction in food waste from households and 60% from businesses by 2030. Through initiatives like its platform, Too Good To Go aims to play a crucial role in transforming unsold food into value, allowing consumers the opportunity to enjoy quality food at lower prices.

"We want to see food appreciated as it should be, at the center of people's meals," said Hiroto Ooka, the Country Director for Too Good To Go Japan. He highlighted that their mission aligns with traditional Japanese values like Sanpo-Yoshi, which promotes benefits for businesses, consumers, and society alike, and Mottainai, which conveys a profound respect for food and resources.

How the Too Good To Go App Works

1. Find Food Nearby: Users can search for local stores offering Surprise Bags via the Too Good To Go app.
2. Reserve and Pay: After selecting a store, users can reserve their Surprise Bag and complete the payment securely in the app.
3. Pick Up and Enjoy: During the allotted pick-up window, users must show their in-app receipt to collect their food.

The Surprise Bags consist of quality food items that would have otherwise gone to waste, benefiting food partners by minimizing surplus, and providing affordable options for users—a perfect win-win for businesses, consumers, and the planet.

About Too Good To Go

Too Good To Go operates a global social impact initiative, aiming to assist food distributors in unlocking value from surplus food and reducing overall food waste. With a community of 120 million registered users and a network of 180,000 active partners across 21 countries spanning Europe, North America, and Asia Pacific, the platform emphasizes collaboration with major industry players and local vendors alike. Some notable partnerships include companies like Carrefour, ALDI, Unilever, Starbucks, Whole Foods Market, and Krispy Kreme. This diverse array of partners reflects the unified commitment to creating sustainable food practices worldwide.