Online surplus grocer Motatos is to exit the UK with immediate effect as it looks to focus on developing its Nordic markets.
The business, which sells ambient food that could have been wasted due to a short shelf life or packaging changes, will continue to operate in Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Germany and Austria.
Motatos CEO, Peter Beckius, told The Grocer: “It was not an easy decision to exit the UK market, especially in light of the positive reception we’ve had from customers and partners.
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“As the market situation looks now however, it is extremely difficult to finance greenfield investments. Therefore, we have decided to put all our focus on developing our DACH and Nordic markets, where we have a longer presence.
“We still have a lot of untapped potential in those regions and financial profitability within reach.”
Since its launch in the UK last year, Motatos has recirculated over 1,000 tonnes of food and consumer products in the UK from brands including Heinz, Cadbury, Kellogg’s and Walkers.
The company told shoppers in an update that it will be delivering all outstanding orders and customer service will stay open until mid-October to answer any questions.
In a bid to prevent anything in its warehouse going to waste, the grocer has sold all of its stock to online discounter Discount Dragon, which is offering any Motatos customers £10 off their first order.
Motatos added: “We sincerely hope you and the UK retail sector will keep up the good work towards zero waste. It is an important battle to win, for the planet and for all of our wallets.”
