Zomato Launches Innovative Food Rescue Program to Combat Waste and Offer Discounts on Cancelled Meals

In efforts to reduce food waste associated with cancelled orders, Zomato has introduced a beneficial new feature in India. This innovative service provides users the opportunity to obtain cancelled meals from nearby restaurants at reduced prices for a limited time. Customers can expect to receive these meals promptly while ensuring the original packaging remains intact. However, it is important to note that only specific types of food will qualify for this offering, with certain items like desserts being excluded from eligibility.

Zomato's latest feature makes recently cancelled meals accessible to customers through the app, showing options within a distance of three kilometers from the delivery partner. These meals can only be claimed for a brief period, and both the original customers and those in close proximity will not have access to reclaim their own orders. If the order was pre-paid online, the new customer's payment will be divided between the restaurant and the original customer, as Zomato will retain only the necessary government taxes from the transaction.

According to Zomato, an overwhelming majority of its restaurant partners are eager to participate in this program. With the Food Rescue initiative, restaurants will not only be compensated for the cancelled orders but will additionally obtain a share of the payment from the new customer who takes the order. Delivery partners will also receive full compensation for the trip, further enhancing the appeal of this program.

To prevent misuse of this feature, the original customer is still obliged to pay a cancellation charge equivalent to the total sum of their order. Furthermore, Zomato has made it clear that items that require careful handling, like frozen treats and other perishable goods, will not fall under this feature. Additionally, customers choosing vegetarian options will only see vegetarian meals available, excluding any non-vegetarian selections.