FreshBox – Empowering communities with solar powered cold storage

FreshBox is a social enterprise committed to reducing food loss in the fresh produce industry by providing innovative solar-powered refrigeration solutions. Our goal is not only to reduce food waste but also to empower youth and women in the agricultural value chain. By offering 24/7 refrigeration as a service, we aim to enable fresh produce farmers, especially young people, and women, to increase their profits and contribute to their communities' economic growth.

Market Opportunity:

In sub-Saharan Africa, an estimated 53% of all fruits and vegetables are lost between agricultural production, post-harvest handling, processing, distribution, and consumption. Over 80% of fruit and vegetable waste comes after the farmer has grown the fruit or vegetable and before the consumer purchases it. Post-harvest handling, processing, and distribution are all areas of the food supply chain that could be improved with existing and affordable technology: refrigeration.

Business Model:

FreshBox offers solar-powered refrigeration units that are portable, easy to use, and eco-friendly. Our refrigeration units are rented out on a monthly basis to small-scale farmers and retailers, particularly young people and women in markets and rural areas where electricity is unreliable or expensive. We provide training and support to our customers, helping them to reduce food loss, increase their profits, and contribute to their communities economic growth. Our business model also prioritizes sustainability in all aspects of our operations.

Financials:

FreshBox's revenue model is based on monthly rental fees for our refrigeration units. Our target market is young people and women in the estimated 500 million small-scale farmers worldwide, as well as small-scale fresh produce retailers and distributors. We anticipate a monthly rental fee of $500 per unit, with 15 units rented within the last 3 years of operations. This translates to a revenue of $7,500 per month, or $90, 000 per year.

Investment:

FreshBox is seeking an investment of $250,000 to expand our operations and reach over 5,000 fresh produce farmers and retailers in Sub-Saharan Africa. The investment will be used to manufacture and install 30 solar-powered refrigeration units, serving additional 5,000 fresh produce farmers and retailers as well as to provide training and support to young people and women in the agricultural value chain.

Our team is committed to creating a positive social impact through our venture, and we believe that empowering youth and women in agriculture is essential for sustainable and inclusive economic growth.