New Delhi — In a bold move to tackle the growing number of food order cancellations, Zomato, the leading online food delivery platform, has unveiled its innovative feature called ‘Food Rescue.’ This initiative aims to rescue more than 400,000 cancelled orders each month, offering nearby customers an opportunity to enjoy meals at a fraction of the original price.* Zomato's CEO, Deepinder Goyal, announced the launch on X social media platform, detailing how the new system works. When an order is cancelled, it will be made available to customers within a 3-kilometer radius of the delivery partner responsible for the order. This means that a nearby customer can claim the untouched food, which will be delivered in its original packaging, within just a few minutes.
“Cancelled orders will now pop up for nearby customers who can grab them at an unbeatable price,” Goyal explained. Importantly, the original customer and those in their immediate vicinity will not have the option to claim the order, ensuring a swift turnaround for the food that would otherwise go to waste. The financial aspect of this feature has also been carefully considered. Zomato will not retain any of the proceeds from the new customer’s payment, aside from the necessary government taxes. The amount paid will be divided between the original customer (if they made an online payment) and the restaurant partner. This ensures that both parties benefit even in the unfortunate event of a cancellation.
However, it’s important to note that not all orders will be eligible for the ‘Food Rescue’ feature. Orders containing sensitive items, such as ice creams, shakes, smoothies, and other perishable goods, will be excluded to maintain quality and safety standards. Goyal highlighted that most restaurant partners have expressed a desire to participate in this initiative, with 99.9 percent opting in. Restaurants will receive compensation for the original cancelled order, as well as a share of the amount paid by the new customer if the order is claimed. They also have the flexibility to opt-out of the program at any time through their control panels. Additionally, delivery partners will be fully compensated for their efforts, covering the journey from the initial pickup to the new customer’s doorstep. Zomato’s ‘Food Rescue’ feature is expected to not only reduce food waste but also provide a win-win situation for customers, restaurants, and delivery personnel alike. As the company continues to innovate, it aims to enhance the overall dining experience while promoting sustainability in the food delivery industry.
