Launched in 2020 in Indonesia, Surplus is a social tech startup with a mission to reduce food loss and waste across the supply chain, particularly from restaurants and local businesses. At the same time, the startup aims to provide consumers with access to safe, affordable food options.
Through an easy-to-use mobile application, Surplus allows businesses to sell surplus inventory or cosmetically imperfect items that are still of high quality. Consumers can purchase these products at discounts of up to 50%, saving money while actively contributing to food waste reduction.
To expand its impact and accessibility, Surplus has established strategic partnerships with ride-hailing companies, food delivery platforms, and major food suppliers to ensure fast and convenient logistics. Its business model creates positive social, economic, and environmental impacts—from helping businesses reduce excess inventory to cutting greenhouse gas emissions generated by discarded food.
At the P4G Summit Vietnam 2025, the company showcased its food waste reduction solution via a platform that connects food businesses with consumers, with support from the National Startup Support Center (NSSC). The model stood out for its simplicity, effectiveness, and scalability in densely populated urban areas. By matching quality surplus inventory with consumers, Surplus not only reduces food-related emissions but also promotes sustainable consumption and supports small businesses in optimizing their operations.
With a strong focus on sustainability, Surplus is emerging as one of Southeast Asia’s leading models in leveraging technology to address pressing issues around food security, green consumption, and the circular economy.
