afreshed® has acquired etepetete, the Munich-based company dedicated to combating food waste, for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition marks a significant step for afreshed® as it integrates etepetete's established mission and operational model into its portfolio. etepetete has built its reputation on rescuing aesthetically imperfect but perfectly good organic fruits and vegetables, which would otherwise be discarded due to cosmetic flaws, and delivering them directly to consumers.
etepetete addresses a critical issue where an estimated 30-40% of harvests annually fail to reach retail markets solely because of their appearance, often leading to destruction or alternative uses. Through its subscription box service, etepetete has successfully saved over 15 million kilograms of organic produce to date. The company emphasizes its commitment to 100% organic produce, climate-neutral shipping, and convenient direct-to-doorstep delivery, fostering more conscious consumption habits among its customers.
The acquisition of etepetete by afreshed® is strategically aimed at strengthening afreshed®'s presence in the sustainable food sector and expanding its commitment to environmental responsibility. By integrating etepetete's specialized sourcing network and direct-to-consumer distribution model for rescued produce, afreshed® is poised to enhance its offerings and reach a broader customer base passionate about reducing food waste. This move is expected to create synergies by combining etepetete's proven impact in produce rescue with afreshed®'s operational capabilities, driving greater efficiency and scale in sustainable food solutions.
The combined entity is set to amplify efforts in promoting sustainable consumption and fighting food waste on a larger scale. This acquisition underscores a shared vision to make a tangible difference in the food supply chain, encouraging consumers to embrace imperfect produce and contribute to a more resource-efficient future. The integration is anticipated to accelerate the mission of making the world more consumption-conscious and combating waste effectively.