Mexican Startup Cheaf Expands Food Rescue App to Argentina

Mexican startup Cheaf has expanded its operations to Argentina, introducing its food rescue app that allows supermarkets, restaurants, bakeries, and food retailers to sell surplus food at discounts of up to 65%. The launch comes in partnership with retailer Cencosud. Cheaf plans to expand to over 30 stores by March and reach more than 300 establishments nationwide by the end of 2025.

Argentina tosses 16Mt of food annually, accounting for 12.5% of its agro-industrial production, according to FAO. This food loss significantly impacts both the economy and the environment, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Cheaf aims to address this challenge by offering users the opportunity to purchase surprise food packages at discounts ranging from 50% to 65%. These packages include products such as bakery items, fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and cold cuts.

"We are excited to launch Cheaf in Argentina, a country with a rich gastronomic culture and growing awareness of sustainability. Given the country’s economic situation, Cheaf can be a highly convenient option for users, while retailers benefit from reducing waste,"  says Kim Durand, Co-Founder and CEO, Cheaf. Durand co-founded Cheaf in 2020 after identifying high levels of food waste during his tenure as General Manager of Uber Eats in Mexico. 

Cheaf operates through a marketplace model, charging a commission to participating businesses. Users can register on the app, explore nearby options, select a food category, pay through the platform, and pick up their surprise package at the chosen location. The app has already gained traction in 24 Mexican cities and 14 Chilean regions, where it launched in October 2023. To date, Cheaf has rescued over 5.68 million kg of food, preventing the emission of over 14.2 million kg of CO2, says the company. It has also surpassed 3 million downloads and has over 2,000 affiliated businesses.

Durand says that in Chile, Cheaf reached 1.5 million users within a year. He expects similar growth in Argentina, citing the country's environmental consciousness and economic conditions as key drivers for adoption. "Retailers are looking for sustainable ways to reduce waste, and consumers benefit from affordable access to high-quality food," he says.