Ghana - Startup under 3 years old

Décrivez votre projet en quelques mots

Merdeo works as a business-to-business marketplace that connects local farmers directly to urban restaurants through an e-commerce platform and cold solar storage houses to make food more affordable and convenient to access.

01.01 Décrivez votre startup en détail

Merdeo is a cloud-based platform that streamlines operations for restaurants and food vendors. We provide digital tools for everything from ordering fresh produce to managing inventory. Moreso, we have a storage facility that is leveraging the use of solar energy to preserve the freshness of our produce. Merdeo aggregates produce from farmers to meet the demand of waiting businesses that need this produce.It is our way of reducing the inefficiencies in the supply chain. We identify smallholder farmers between 18- 55 years with crop quantities which other larger buyers may not accept due to small volumes. Once this is done we aggregate from others as well and clean, package and deliver to already collated businesses with demand for this fresh produce through our cloud platform. Produce which are unfit for human consumption are treated and reused to feed livestock thereby promoting a circular economy.

01.02 Quel est le problème principal que vous essayez de résoudre ?

According to SNV Netherlands Development Organization, 2023. tomato farmers in Ghana experienced a whopping 37.5% loss in their produce post-harvest. While there are many reasons contributing to Post Harvest Loss (PHL), a more widely known contributor in Ghana is a lack of access to the market, This occurs as a result of many of the producers of these crops living and farming in the hinterlands with limited access to trade centres. Often their roads are poor and they resort to selling to greedy middlemen who price their farm produce at abysmal rates. Many farmers are unable to make decent returns on investment; ultimately leading them to abject poverty. This leaves farmers cultivating for sustenance, reducing their cultivated areas yearly or completely quitting farming. Merdeo's solution extends beyond just operational efficiency; it also addresses broader societal issues such as food waste and economic empowerment.

01.03 Dites-nous quels sont les principaux avantages et/ou bénéfices de l'utilisation du produit/service fourni par votre startup (au moins 3).

Firstly, our Cold Solar Storage House revolutionizes the way fresh produce is preserved. By harnessing solar energy to power refrigeration units, we're reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing the carbon footprint of food storage. This sustainable approach not only addresses environmental concerns but also ensures the availability of fresh produce in off-grid or remote areas. Secondly, our digital platform streamlines the process of connecting farmers with buyers, eliminating inefficiencies and middlemen in the supply chain. Through user-friendly interfaces and transparent pricing, we're empowering smallholder farmers to access markets and earn fair prices for their produce. Unlike our peers who offer general restaurant management solutions, Merdeo Foods is laser-focused on revolutionizing produce procurement. Our specialized expertise in this niche allows us to deliver unparalleled quality and value to our customers, setting us apart from the competition.

01.04 Veuillez décrire précisément à qui s'adresse le produit/service de votre startup. Quels sont les bénéficiaires visés ?

First, Merdeo impacts the lives of smallholder farmers, with our first cold solar storage house established in the bustling markets of Accra; we can assure the farmers that we can provide them with market access to improve their livelihoods. Thanks to this climate technology, thousands of farmers can have their crops purchased from Merdeo so they can be able to take care of their family. Currently, smallholder farmers resort to selling to greedy middlemen who price their farm produce at abysmal rates. Many farmers are unable to make decent returns on investments and end up in impoverished state. With restaurants, Merdeo comes in handy as we allow them focus on making delicious meals to delight their customers while we take care of the tedious procurement work. With our digital platform, customers can conveniently order and track their ingredients to their doorstep saving them over 30% of time. Our platform allows our clients to automate their process too, they see every progress made

01.05 Quand votre entreprise a-t-elle été créée ?

14/10/2022

01.06 Vendez-vous déjà votre produit/service ?

Oui

01.07 Combien y a-t-il de propriétaires de votre entreprise en plus de vous ?

3

01.08 Parmi les autres propriétaires, combien sont des femmes ?

1

01.09 Veuillez décrire le profil des autres propriétaires de votre startup (compétences, expérience, etc.).

Nana is an experienced entrepreneur who has managed a restaurant business and co founded Agriboost a catfish production and distribution business. Nana leads the team as CEO with passion and foresight.Our successes, early recognition and future gains at Merdeo have been through the patience tuition, communication and leadership Nana brings to the team. He has been awarded by the Duke of Edinburgh for his entrepreneurial thought leadership. Charles Kwame Ansong is a seasoned software engineer with over 4 years of experience in web and interactive development. His expertise lies in simplicity elegance-driven design and friendly user interfaces. With a strong track record of successfully working on various web-based projects, Charles brings his wealth of experience as the CTO of Merdeo. Jennifer Mensah is a chartered accountant who helps us with building financial models and excel templates to ensure the success of our unique procurement and warehousing solutions.

01.10 Si vous avez un site web, une page sur les médias sociaux (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin...) ou une application, veuillez fournir le(s) lien(s) ici :

https://merdeofoods.com/

01.11 Quel est le secteur d'activité qui décrit le mieux votre entreprise ?

Matériaux (agriculture, pêche, produits chimiques, matériaux de construction, conteneurs et emballages, métaux et mines, papier et produits forestiers)

02.01.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Pas de pauvreté'

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.01.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Merdeo creates direct linkages between smallholder farmers and restaurant businesses, eliminating intermediaries who often take a significant portion of the profits. This ensures that farmers receive fairer prices for their produce, increasing their income and improving their economic stability. Also establishing fair trade practices, Merdeo ensures that farmers are compensated justly for their labor. This helps lift farmers out of poverty by providing them with a sustainable and reliable source of income.

02.02.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Faim Zéro'

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.02.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Merdeo establishes direct linkages between smallholder farmers and restaurants, ensuring that fresh produce reaches consumers without unnecessary delays or intermediaries. This improves the availability and accessibility of nutritious food in local markets. Moreover, because we are providing effective storage solutions and logistical support, Merdeo helps reduce post-harvest losses. This ensures that more food reaches the market, increasing the overall food supply and enhancing food security.

02.03.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Bonne Santé et Bien Être'

6

02.03.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Merdeo provides training to farmers on sustainable and organic farming practices. These methods not only enhance the nutritional quality of food but also reduce the use of harmful chemicals, contributing to better health outcomes. Again, Merdeo links the farmers directly to markets through our logistics and warehousing solutions. Therefore, by optimizing logistics and storage solutions, Merdeo helps minimize food waste. This ensures that more food reaches consumers, reducing the risk of food insecurity and malnutrition. This is how my startup is helping to contribute to Goal 3 Good Health and Well-Being.

02.04.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Éducation de Qualité'

3

02.04.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.05.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Égalité entre les Sexes'

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.05.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Merdeo ensures that women farmers receive fair prices for their produce by connecting them directly to markets. This helps increase their income and economic independence. They are able to tale care of their famillies and children as a result of our collaboration with them. Also, in Ghana, over 60% of restaurant owners are women led and we are supporting these women with operational efficiency through our software inventory management tool.

02.06.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Eau Propre et Assainissement'

2

02.06.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.07.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Énergie Propre et Abordable'

5

02.07.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Merdeo capitalizes on Green Energy which is the use of Solar Energy to preserve the freshness of the Farm Produce.By harnessing the power of the sun, Merdeo ensures that our energy consumption is both clean and sustainable. Solar energy is a renewable resource that provides a consistent and reliable power supply without the detrimental environmental impact associated with fossil fuels. This shift to solar energy helps us reduce our carbon footprint and supports global efforts to combat climate change.

02.08.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Travail Décent et Croissance Économique'

5

02.08.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.09.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Industrie, Innovation et Infrastructure'

4

02.09.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.10.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Réduction des Inégalités'

6

02.10.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

We are ensuring that farmers are paid fairly for their fresh farm produce and ensuring that these farmers have the right market access to be able to take care of themselves and their loved ones.

02.11.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Villes et Communautés Durables'

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.11.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Merdeo addresses the issue of food wastage by implementing efficient supply chain solutions that ensure surplus produce is redirected to where it is needed most. This not only minimizes waste but also helps feed communities, contributing to food security in urban areas.

02.12.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Consommation et Production Responsables'

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.12.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

The Sustainable Development Goals 12 result by 2030 is to substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse It also encompasses the u se of goods and services that respond to basic needs and bring a better quality of life Merdeo’s business model connects to this goal in the aspects of prevention and reduction. Through our aggregation model, we are providing a ready market to absorb food crops produced by our affiliate farmers. Having a ready market prevents spoilage or loss of farm produce and means an improved shelf-life with nutrient dense content to guarantee a better health and life for our consumers. Additionally, we are also reducing the volume of crops that would have gone waste. We have not reached all farmers but with our efforts, we are making decent progress and gradually reducing waste in the food system in Ghana.

02.13.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Lutte contre les Changements Climatiques'

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.13.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Food wastage is a significant contributor to methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas. When organic waste decomposes in landfills, it releases methane into the atmosphere. By reducing food wastage through efficient market access, Merdeo helps mitigate this harmful emission. Our streamlined supply chain minimizes the time produce spends in transit, reducing the likelihood of spoilage. By connecting farmers directly with restaurants and food businesses, we expedite the delivery process, ensuring that food is consumed while still fresh.

02.14.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Vie Sous-Marine'

3

02.14.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.15.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Vie Terrestre'

5

02.15.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Merdeo working with farmers is also promoting organic farming practices, we reduce the reliance on chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Organic farming supports a healthier ecosystem, fostering the presence of beneficial insects, birds, and microorganisms that contribute to a balanced environment.

02.16.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Paix, Justice et Institutions Efficaces'

3

02.16.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.17.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Parteneriats pour la Réalisation des Objectifs'

3

02.17.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

06.01 Un grand nombre de clients utilisent déjà un produit/service très similaire au nôtre.

6

06.02 Notre produit/service représente un type de produit/service entièrement nouveau

6

06.03 Notre produit/service pourrait être décrit comme une nouvelle technologie

5

06.04 Notre produit/service est une amélioration d'un produit ou d'un service existant

6

06.05 Notre produit/service pourrait être décrit comme une extension d'une gamme de produits ou de services

5

06.06 Notre produit/service répond à une demande ou à un besoin qui n'a pas été satisfait par d'autres produits/services.

6

06.07 Notre produit/service est une nouvelle version d'un ancien produit/service

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

06.08 Justification

The digital platform serves as a marketplace connecting smallholder farmers directly with buyers, such as restaurants, food businesses, and individuals. This platform utilizes web and mobile applications to facilitate transactions, streamline communication, and provide valuable insights into market demand and supply. Through the platform, farmers can list their available produce, while buyers can browse and purchase items based on their specific needs. This technology enables transparent and efficient trade, empowering farmers to access broader markets and secure fair prices for their goods.

06.09 Analyse compétitive

Merdeo recognizes that we have quite some good number of competitors significantly portraying the viability of the business model. However, notably most of these well renowned companies like Orda and Vendease are competing in the Nigerian markets and with with Vendease announcing their entry into the Ghanaian market further proves there is market viability here. Vendease is a cloud-based procurement platform for restaurants and food businesses. It offers similar services to Merdeo Foods, including sourcing fresh produce and managing inventory. Vendease has established itself as a reliable platform for restaurant procurement, with a user-friendly interface and a wide network of suppliers. However, it may lack the specialized focus on fresh produce that Merdeo Foods offers. There are other fragmented and small players in the Ghanaian market where we are launching, but mostly these smaller companies are into resale of the fresh produce and do not have a ready available e-commerce.

11.05 Menez-vous des actions au sein de votre communauté pour promouvoir le rôle des femmes entrepreneurs ?