A Filipino-led tech start-up is stepping up to address the growing challenge of food waste in the country. Tech CEO and co-founder Shiraz Dole has introduced Mabu, a mobile application designed to help food establishments sell their surplus food at discounted prices, offering a practical solution that benefits businesses, consumers, and the environment.
Helping Food Businesses Reduce Daily Waste
Mabu streamlines the process for food establishments looking to avoid throwing out unsold items. Through the app’s business interface, owners can easily create what Mabu calls a “surprise bag.”
“Press add a new bag. You set the description, sale price, and quantity,” Dole explained. “But here’s the real magic—you can set the pickup time window, like 7:30 to 9:30 in the evening. And now the bag is created.”
This simple system allows businesses to convert potential waste into revenue while also lowering their environmental footprint.
Affordable Surprise Bags for Everyday Shoppers
For consumers, Mabu offers a convenient way to access discounted food items. With just a few taps, users can browse categories such as bread, meals, or snacks, and purchase a surprise bag based on the description.
“There’s a little description of what you might get. Most times it’s a surprise—maybe a chocolate croissant today. It really depends,” Dole said.
The app guarantees items at up to 70% off, making it an appealing choice for personal consumption, gifting, or even donating to others. During pickup, users simply show their code, claim their surprise bag, and go.
A Tech-Driven Push Toward Sustainability
Beyond the savings, Dole emphasized the broader impact of Mabu. By rescuing unsold food from landfills, businesses help reduce carbon emissions while offering customers a positive, rewarding experience.
With Mabu, the start-up hopes to build a culture of shared responsibility where preventing food waste becomes a collective effort supported by technology, innovation, and community participation.
