The world’s largest surplus food marketplace, Too Good To Go, has officially launched in New Zealand, starting in Auckland, with plans to expand nationwide throughout 2026.
The Danish-born social impact company aims to help Kiwis halve food waste by 2030, in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal.
Too Good To Go enables consumers to purchase surplus food from local cafés, bakeries, and restaurants through its app via “Surprise Bags,” providing high-quality meals at a discounted rate while reducing food waste. The model benefits consumers, foodservice operators, and the environment — lowering greenhouse gas emissions by preventing edible food from going to landfill.
Over 60 Auckland businesses have signed up for the launch, including well-known local favourites such as Daily Bread, Crave Café, Beau Deli, Rollers Bakery, Catroux, and Beabeas, alongside national brands like Bakers Delight, Muffin Break, and Roll’d. Talks are ongoing to expand the platform to additional cities in 2026, as Too Good To Go seeks to build its network of partners across the country.
Reducing Food Wastage
Food waste is a significant global and local challenge. Around 40% of the world’s food is wasted each year, equating to 2.5 billion tonnes, and contributing 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. In New Zealand, households waste an estimated $3 billion worth of food annually, averaging $1,364 per household.
“We are obsessed with reducing food waste,” says Joost Rietveld, Country Director of Too Good To Go Aotearoa. “Aotearoa is our 20th country, and with its vibrant food culture and strong sustainability focus, it was a natural next step. We’re excited to invite Kiwis to join our global community and start saving their favourite foods from going to waste.”
The Too Good To Go app works in three simple steps: users locate surplus food near them, reserve and pre-pay for a “Surprise Bag,” then collect it during the store’s designated pick-up window.
“We cannot afford to waste food; it is too valuable for society, the economy, and the planet,” says Mette Lykke, Global CEO of Too Good To Go. “Food waste is one of the easiest climate challenges to tackle, and our model allows everyone to make a difference, one meal at a time.”
500 Million Meals
Business partners are already seeing the benefits. Scott Randles, Area Manager at Bakers Delight, highlights that the partnership provides an additional revenue stream while reducing waste, and Josh Helm, Owner/Director of Daily Bread, emphasises that the app gives surplus bakery products a new home while supporting sustainability efforts.
Too Good To Go currently has over 120 million users worldwide across 20 countries, helping rescue more than 500 million meals since 2016. Auckland’s launch marks the company’s third continental expansion, with further rollouts planned across New Zealand next year. The app is free to download via the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.