TreeDots focuses on vertical integrated supply chain to solve food waste

Singapore-based TreeDots, founded in 2017, claims to be the first food surplus marketplace in Asia, focusing on creating a vertically integrated supply chain ecosystem. Its marketplace for surplus and imperfect food supply addresses the massive problem of food waste, especially perfectly edible food that is thrown away.

The company’s technology helps redistribute unsold inventories from suppliers to food and beverage businesses, allowing them to source for affordable food supplies. It is also developing its own cold-chain logistics infrastructure to help food reach end users more quickly.

The recent US$11 million Series A funding led by Amasia and East Ventures, will be deployed to grow its operations, enter other markets and continue optimising its logistics and supply chain business.

Tylor Jong, co-founder and CEO of TreeDots, says, approximately one-third of the food produced worldwide is never consumed. In Asia, this is mainly due to inefficient supply networks or aesthetically “imperfect” items. He adds that a supermarket store, for example, may reject a chicken that is too large or has a fractured bone. Restaurants, on the other hand, are normally unconcerned about the appearance of their ingredients because they prepare and plate the food before it reaches the consumer.

“We solve the food loss problem further upstream where you have food that is imperfect due to various cosmetic standards set by different groups of buyers and food that is in surplus due to excess inventory than needed at every step of the supply chain.”

Tylor also talks about:

The inspiration and story behind setting up TreeDots.
The suppliers they work with.
How food and beverage businesses can effectively reduce food loss and wastage.
The company’s go to market strategy.
How Treedots perform the logistics aspect for social commerce and business buyers.
The latest USD11 million Series A funding round and the strategy moving forward.
Some key lessons learnt running the business.