Zomato has introduced a unique “Food Rescue” feature allowing users to buy cancelled food orders at a discounted rate. Announced by CEO Deepinder Goyal on X (formerly Twitter), the initiative is designed to reduce food waste by offering cancelled orders to nearby customers at lower prices. According to Goyal, over 4 lakh orders are cancelled on Zomato despite their no-refund policy. Under the new feature, these meals will be available for purchase in their original tamper-proof packaging and delivered within minutes.
In explaining the mechanics of Food Rescue, Deepinder Goyal noted that restaurants will still be compensated for cancelled orders, and any additional proceeds from the re-purchase will go towards restaurant partners after covering government taxes.
We don’t encourage order cancellation at Zomato, because it leads to a tremendous amount of food wastage.
Inspite of stringent policies, and and a no-refund policy for cancellations, more than 4 lakh perfectly good orders get canceled on Zomato, for various reasons by customers.… pic.twitter.com/fGFQQNgzGJ
— Deepinder Goyal (@deepigoyal) November 10, 2024
The announcement drew widespread reactions on X, with users sharing feedback and raising potential concerns over misuse of the feature. Among the responses, a Bengaluru-based product manager named Bhanu offered specific recommendations, suggesting that Zomato limit the Food Rescue option for cash-on-delivery orders. He also proposed that customers not be allowed to cancel orders if the delivery partner is within 500 meters of their location and suggested a cap of two cancellations per user per day.
All this and more already in place. Good thinking, btw. Who are you and what do you do? Would love to know you more, and see if we can work together? 🙂
DM me please if you wanna chat more.
— Deepinder Goyal (@deepigoyal) November 10, 2024
Bhanu raised concerns about the possibility of users misusing the feature, humorously referencing “two friends sharing meals by ordering and canceling to secure discounts.” Goyal promptly responded, assuring him that Zomato has safeguards in place to prevent these issues.
Impressed by Bhanu’s insights, Goyal extended an invitation to learn more about him and explore potential collaboration. “Good thinking, btw. Who are you and what do you do? Would love to know you more, and see if we can work together,” Goyal wrote. Bhanu, who revealed he works as a product manager at a startup, shared that he frequently offers suggestions for service improvements and is an avid Blinkit user.
This interaction highlights Goyal’s hands-on approach to recruitment and innovation, particularly in engaging with fresh ideas to enhance Zomato’s services.
