OLIO FOOD SHARING APP

Olio is a UK-based mobile application connecting neighbours and local businesses to share surplus food and household items. Founded in 2015, the platform has grown to over 7 million users across 62 countries, redistributing more than 100 million portions of food that would otherwise go to waste. Olio's model addresses the 'last mile' of food waste — the portion left unconsumed in homes and local shops. The app operates on peer-to-peer sharing principles, with 'Food Waste Heroes' volunteering to collect unsold items from retailers like Tesco, Pret A Manger, and Costa Coffee. Beyond food, Olio's 'Non-Food' section enables neighbours to share clothing, electronics, and furniture, creating a hyperlocal circular economy. The platform's gamification elements and community-building features drive sustained behavioural change, with active users reporting a 33% reduction in personal food waste. Olio demonstrates how digital platforms can transform consumer behaviour toward resource sharing at neighbourhood scale.