Metro stores expand FoodHero application to reduce food waste

Building on its recent success in five Metro grocery stores since November 2019, Quebec-based start-up FoodHero is extending its reach by deploying to nearly 100 Metro supermarkets across Quebec. The mobile application will allow Metro customers to save money while providing stores an additional way to reduce food waste.

The FoodHero anti-waste app can help shoppers save 30% to 50% off unsold products that are close to their expiration date and that remain fresh and fully consumable, such as meat, fish, cheese, prepared meals and bakery and pastry products. The expansion of the program comes after a pilot program launched last November in which nearly 6,000 orders were placed, representing more than 30,000 products sold via the application.

“Building on the success of our pilot project, we are excited to deploy the FoodHero program throughout our store network and continue our efforts to reduce food waste," said Richard Frenkcuec, vice president, retail execution and customer experience, Metro. “FoodHero complements our price-reduction program in Quebec that offers a 30% discount on products nearing their expiry date and provides us with an additional avenue to reduce the amount of unsold products going to landfill, contributing to our commitment to reduce food waste in our operations by 50% by 2025.” 

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The FoodHero anti-waste app can help shoppers save 30% to 50% off unsold products that are close to their expiration date and that remain fresh and fully consumable, such as meat, fish, cheese, prepared meals and bakery and pastry products.

Launched in May 2019, the FoodHero app recently passed the 400,000-download milestone and continues to grow, demonstrating consumers’ desire to do their part to reduce food waste while saving money on purchases. “We are very happy with Metro’s decision to bring our application to so many additional stores and be part of the solution to this growing challenge," said Jonathan Defoy, founder of FoodHero.

FoodHero is a start-up founded by  Defoy, a serial entrepreneur with nearly 20 years of experience in the technology industry. He is supported by Alain Brisebois, a strategic advisor who has held several senior management positions at major retailers in the food industry. It took almost 18 months to develop this comprehensive solution. In addition to offering discounted products at participating retailers, FoodHero also calculates the  CO2 "savings" achieved by avoiding residual waste using a scientific formula validated by a firm with recognized expertise in renewable energy. FoodHero is now available in nearly 250 grocery stores across Québec.

Related:The Giant Company targets food waste with Flashfood app pilot

As a retailer, franchisor, distributor and manufacturer, Metro operates or services a network of 950 food and grocery stores under banners including Metro, Metro Plus, Super C and Food Basics, as well as 650 drugstores primarily under the Jean Coutu, Brunet, Metro Pharmacy and Food Basics Pharmacy banners.