Wonky Box, founded in 2021 by Katie and Tom, addresses the significant food waste problem in New Zealand by providing a new market for surplus and cosmetically imperfect produce.
New Zealand produces enough food for 40 million people but wastes about a third of its production, a substantial amount even excluding exports. Limited retail competition exacerbates this issue by restricting the types of produce stocked.
Wonky Box works with growers year-round, supplying a diverse range of produce which might be surplus, misshapen, or nearing its best-before date. They're expanding into pantry items, partnering with coffee and chocolate producers to rescue surplus stock.
The founders emphasize the value of collaboration, recommending that budding entrepreneurs work with others and hire people who excel in areas they don't.