The break with perfection and waste
In our “Future Products” series, we focus on new food ideas and concepts that pick up on trends and think one step ahead. A future product does not have to be a completely new product – it can also be a concept that rethinks existing systems. And that’s exactly what we do with our Broke Brothers—in line with the circular food approach and to prevent food waste , we breathe new life into imperfect produce.
In Germany, a total of approximately 10.8 million metric tons of food waste is generated each year; of this, about 15% occurs during processing and production (i.e., ~1.6 million metric tons), where broken products, defective batches, and byproducts play a role. Studies and industry reports emphasize that damaged goods and rejects represent a significant cost factor—including disposal and logistics costs. From a global perspective, food waste has massive consequences—socially, environmentally, and economically. According to estimates, food waste accounts for about 8–10 percent of annual greenhouse gas emissions worldwide.
The concept
Many manufacturers are sitting on inventory that, while of impeccable quality, cannot be sold in stores for aesthetic or logistical reasons—broken items, B/C-grade goods, and overproduction. With Broke Brothers, we offer a straightforward way to bring this inventory back into circulation.
Option A: Companies deliver their surplus goods to us in a format that works for them. In return, they receive a minimum compensation, ensuring that the partnership remains economically viable. This way, food rescue becomes not just a moral imperative, but a realistic model. After taking delivery, we have the goods repackaged by partners such as social workshops or specialized co-packers—under our Broke Brothers branding.
The sister city could distribute it.
Option B: Manufacturers could even package and ship the B/C-grade goods directly themselves under our brand. This would make the journey from waste to brand as efficient as possible and could be seamlessly integrated into existing logistics processes—a truly industry-ready solution to food waste.
The system
The rescued food is sold at greatly reduced prices under the Broke Brothers brand. The look is honest and direct: Imperfection meets quality. The products are packaged in simple mono plastic bags to ensure a uniform look. Consumers get high-quality goods at an entry-level price; at the same time, large quantities of edible food are saved from destruction. This is how we combine sustainable thinking with pragmatic suitability for everyday use – and make saving food waste suitable for the masses.
Broke Brothers is conceived as a nonprofit limited liability company (gGmbH). We see ourselves as an initiator, licensor, and platform—supported by the industry and for the industry. All revenue goes directly toward maintaining and expanding the initiative, funding rescue projects, and establishing long-term structures. This would allow us to establish a sustainable system that effectively channels industrial surplus goods and makes a real difference—both economically and environmentally.
Discover even more exciting zero-waste projects in the magazine now!
