South Africans have saved R12.5 million on groceries while preventing 200,000 meals from ending up in landfill through Refreshi, a local startup that built a surplus-food marketplace that has expanded from just 35 partner stores to 700 nationwide in the space of a year.
The startup has released its very first annual Grocery Savings Impact Report, revealing how the sale of quality surplus food at discounted prices (instead of throwing it away) is helping South African households stretch their grocery budgets while creating a new revenue stream for retailers.
Through its app, Refreshi connects consumers with quality surplus food from grocery stores, bakeries and restaurants. Users can browse discounted “Surprise Bags” available at participating stores near them, pay for them securely online, and collect them during a scheduled pickup window at the end of the day. Food that would otherwise have been discarded is instead enjoyed by consumers at a fraction of the original retail price.
The model has exceeded initial expectations, and has delivered significant results over the last year. Since launching in Stellenbosch in March 2025, Refreshi bags are now available in 700 participating stores across Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, Gqeberha, George and Mossel Bay, with an average growth rate of 10-15 new stores per week as of July 2026. These stores include Spar, Bootlegger, Vida e Caffe, King Pie, Chateau Gateux, Vovo Telo, Ou Meul, Newmark Hotels and OK Mini Marks to name a few.
