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A European Manufacturing Enterprise

Online Marketplace for Discounted Grocery Sales in Canada & the US

Client: Flashfood

Mobile

Expertise:

Tech Stack:

Backend

Kotlin

Swift

Objective-C

Java

MongoDB

Frontend

DevOps

Stripe

Flashfood is a rapidly growing Canadian startup aiming to reduce food waste by offering discounted items nearing expiration through an online marketplace. The business model focuses on providing affordable food options, benefiting both grocery retailers and consumers, while making a positive environmental impact.

About the Client:

OmegaLab collaborated with Flashfood to create a suite of native mobile apps for both store employees and customers, facilitating sales, purchases, inventory tracking, and data management. This complex project required designing multiple apps with a wide range of features, ensuring a seamless and user-friendly experience for different user roles.

Project Overview

Development of Four Native Apps
OmegaLab built separate iOS and Android applications for two distinct user groups: grocery store employees and shoppers. This approach enabled a tailored interface and features suited to each group’s needs.
Complex Data Structuring
The apps handled a vast array of grocery items, from perishable goods to dry products, each with unique characteristics. Inventory data, such as expiry dates and specific attributes (e.g., wine acidity), needed to be effectively categorized and made easily searchable.
Advanced Payment Systems & Loyalty Program
To enhance customer retention, the app included loyalty programs, promotions, and secure payment systems using Stripe for seamless transactions. The integration of varied subscription models supported diverse user preferences.
Multi-language Support & Geolocation Services
To serve users across Canada and the U.S., the platform supported English, Spanish, and French, allowing users to switch languages effortlessly. Additionally, a map feature enabled customers to find and connect with nearby stores participating in the Flashfood program.

Challenges & Objectives

Implementation

Employee-Focused Apps

Enabled efficient barcode scanning for real-time inventory updates, a mini-admin panel for product management, and easy order processing to streamline the workflow for grocery staff.

Customer-Focused Apps:

Provided a personalized shopping experience, allowing users to browse discounted items, filter by store location, and securely complete their purchases. Features like a customized cart and wishlists ensured a user-friendly shopping journey.

Backend & Synchronization:

Ensured reliable data synchronization across the employee and customer apps. Real-time analytics were integrated to provide insights into user behavior, app performance, and inventory status.

Significant Environmental Impact: Over 100 million pounds of food waste were diverted, helping retailers move soon-to-expire items and making food more affordable for consumers.
Cost Savings for Consumers: Shoppers collectively saved more than $247 million through discounted purchases.
Funding & Expansion: Flashfood successfully raised $16.5 million in funding and expanded its presence to nearly 1,600 stores across North America, establishing a strong market presence.

Outcomes & Business Impact

Online Marketplace for Discounted Grocery Sales in Canada & the US

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