Get discount on unsold food, help reduce waste via new app

Yindii lets users order 'surprise bag' and get 50%-80% off retail price at day's end

- Gabrielle Andres

Diners who are keen to buy unsold food from eateries at up to 80 percent off the retail price before closing time, instead of letting it go to waste, can tap a new mobile phone application.

The app, called Yindii, was launched here in August and aims to beef up efforts to reduce food waste by eateries.

Customers who use the app can order a "surprise bag" in advance, and they can get any type of unsold food from the menu at day's end for between 50 percent and 80 percent off the usual retail price.

The app touts itself as a "high-quality food surplus marketplace", and it already has tie-ups with popular restaurants, cafes and bakeries, including Paul, Baker & Cook and SaladStop.

Founded in 2020, the app is also available in Hong Kong and Thailand.

Yindii co-founder and chief marketing officer Mahima Rajangam Natarajan said: "We chose to launch in Singapore because it's a forward-thinking city with a growing focus on sustainability and reducing food waste."

According to the National Environment Agency, food waste accounted for about 11 percent of the total waste generated in Singapore in 2023. That works out to about 755,000 tonnes, of which 623,000 tonnes were dumped, and the rest recycled.

Food waste is a growing problem. With rising inflation, it has put pressure on both consumers and businesses, Ms Mahima said.

Singapore's core inflation is expected to average 2.5 percent to 3 percent for 2024, according to the Monetary Authority of Singapore.