Wonky Box Announces New Venture

New Zealand’s fastest-growing fruit and vegetable subscription service, Wonky Box, has further elevated its mission to combat food waste with The Wonky Pantry.

Kiwi households can now choose from a curated range of rescued food items for their Wonky Box deliveries, from surplus stock and short-dated goods to items with minor packaging flaws.

One-third of food produced globally is wasted from farm to fork each year, highlighting food loss throughout the supply chain. The Wonky Pantry gives these special products a second lease on life.

While Wonky Box is not aiming to compete directly with larger retailers, it simply complements the existing grocery sector by giving local suppliers an additional route to market.

Although slightly imperfect, the quality of Wonky Pantry items remains unaffected. These rescues are brought to customers at affordable prices, often cheaper than traditional retail prices.

The Wonky Pantry is a simple yet impactful solution for Kiwis wanting to do more for the planet. Each month, customers can choose from a unique selection of rescued products alongside bonus seasonal produce, allowing them to customise their usual Wonky Boxes to suit their needs better and try something new.

“We started Wonky Box with a vision to rescue wonky produce from orchards, and now we’re taking that ethos into the pantry,” said co-founders Angus Simms and Katie Jackson.

“We’ve evolved from a ‘one-size-fits-all’ produce box to multiple offerings tailored to different households so that more kiwis can join the mission to reduce food waste. The Wonky Pantry is the natural next step in this journey as we set our sights beyond the farm gate to the food supply chain as a whole.”

The Wonky Pantry also opened new doors for local suppliers. Through its custom-built platform, Wonky Box connects suppliers directly with consumers, providing an ethical and efficient way to move surplus stock, short-dated items, or wonky goods that might not reach your typical supermarket shelf.

Will Doyle, General Manager of Operations at FreshCo recently partnered with Wonky Box to move surplus honey after an export order fell through.

"The Wonky Pantry launch was a perfect solution for moving stock efficiently. It's rewarding to see the products enjoyed locally, [and] the process was seamless on our end,” said Doyle.

Alex Down, General Manager of Hands Down, a tortilla producer in Napier, added that they were excited to partner with Wonky Box on their Wonky Pantry.

“When our fresh Hawke’s Bay-grown corn tortillas don’t quite make the cut, we cut them into six, and they become delicious fresh corn chips, ready for baking or frying at home. Thanks to the Wonky Pantry, we’re able to give every tortilla a home,” said Down.

After a trial period in Auckland last month, where Doyle’s honey stash completely sold out, the Wonky Pantry opened its doors nationwide with a delicious lineup of rescues.

The inaugural ‘bites’ and pieces in the mix include Bennetto’s Fairtrade Chocolate, Culley’s Sauces, Shoots Strawberries from 26 Seasons, French Red Shallots from Fiesta Bulbs, Hands Down Tortilla Chips, and Peoples Coffee.

“We’ve loved partnering with Wonky Box. From time to time, we get potential 'seconds' chocolate - broken by mistake or with packaging that isn't up to standard,” said Bennetto’s owner and founder, Lucy Bennetto.

“We can't sell these through our normal retail channels. Reducing waste and making slightly 'wonky but perfectly good' food more affordable aligns with our values. It's a win-win for everyone.”

The Wonky Pantry has allowed customers to personalise their Wonky Box orders by adding unique, rescued products each month.