Cheaf Expands to Argentina to Reduce Food Waste

Cheaf, a Mexico-based startup focused on reducing food waste, has launched operations in Argentina. The mobile application allows supermarkets, restaurants, bakeries, and other food businesses to sell surplus products at discounted prices, helping to minimize waste while offering consumers affordable options.

Argentina faces significant food waste challenges, with an estimated 16 million tons of food lost annually, representing 12.5% of its total agro-food production. To address this, Cheaf has partnered with Cencosud, initially launching in three Buenos Aires supermarkets: Jumbo Martínez, Disco Uriburu, and Vea Av. Córdoba. The company plans to expand to additional locations, aiming to operate in 300 stores by the end of 2025.

Cheaf’s app operates by offering “surprise packages” with surplus items in categories such as fruits and vegetables, dairy products, cheeses, and baked goods, available at discounts of at least 50%. Since its founding in 2020, the company has rescued over 5,500 tons of food, preventing the emission of more than 14.2 million kg of CO2. The initiative aligns with broader sustainability efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with food waste.

Currently, Cheaf operates in 24 Mexican cities and 14 regions in Chile, with more than three million app downloads and over 2,000 affiliated businesses. The expansion into Argentina builds on its regional growth strategy and reinforces its commitment to reducing food waste while benefiting both businesses and consumers.