“We are looking to grow this tremendously because the demand is high, (but) it’s also tricky for us, because it’s our job to educate members of the public, our merchants and vendors, everybody about how they can recover costs and also prevent food wastage,” Mr Quek added.
“The problem we are having right now is trying to get a mindset shift on some of the merchants, because some of them are not (open) to such ideas.”
Another similar platform, Treatsure, allows users to buy a box for S$10 (US$8) and fill it up with food from hotel buffets up to an hour before closing time.
Separately, the firm started its Treatsure thrill box concept in January this year. It has seen a fivefold increase in demand for them since then, said its CEO and co-founder Preston Wong.
Users are offered a mystery concept where staff at restaurants and retail outlets will select food items for them to bring home.
Mr Wong said the surprise element can be a big draw for customers.
“As you know, some other mystery blind boxes offer toys, but for us, we decided to apply it in the food space and give consumers that same surprise,” he added.
Treatsure currently has 26 hotel partners and 10 food and beverage partners.
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