Carla Martinesi：CHOMP 創新的食物節約解決方案為香港重新定義可持續餐飲
In the world of sustainable food and beverage practices, Carla Martinesi shines as the fearless visionary CEO/Founder of CHOMP and a Forbes 30 under 30 honoree for Social Impact. With Swiss roots steeped in eco-conscious living, Carla's move to Hong Kong in 2019 spurred her mission to combat food waste. Leveraging her F&B expertise, she pioneered CHOMP, redefining the city's sustainability landscape.
This exclusive interview with the founder offers a glimpse into the origins of CHOMP, its pivotal role in mitigating food waste, and the ambitious aspirations that continue to fuel its mission of fostering eco-friendly practices in the region.
在可持續食物和飲料實踐的世界中，Carla 作為CHOMP的無畏願景的創始人和福布斯30位30歲以下社會影響力榮譽成員而煥發光彩。憑借在瑞士生態意識生活中扎根的背景，Carla 於2019年搬到香港，激發了她對打擊食物浪費的使命。她利用自己在飲食業的專業知識，開創了CHOMP，重新定義了這座城市的可持續發展格局。
這篇與創始人的獨家訪談，讓我們一窺CHOMP的起源，它在減少食物浪費方面的關鍵作用，以及繼續推動該地區生態友好實踐使命的雄心勃勃抱負。
Personal Journey and Inspiration
個人旅程與啟發
1. What inspired you to start CHOMP, and how has it changed over time?
CHOMP was inspired by my love of food and the drive to protect our planet. With a background in F&B and hospitality, it was a natural path for CHOMP to be born. Since we’re almost 2 years old, at its core, CHOMP hasn’t changed that much. We’ve grown with more restaurant partners and more users, but we’re still the same baby start-up!
什麼啟發了您創辦CHOMP，它在過去的時間裡有什麼變化？
CHOMP的創立是受到我對食物的熱愛和保護地球的動力所激發。憑藉在飲食業和酒店業的背景，CHOMP的誕生是一個自然而然的選擇。在成立了將近兩年的時間裡，CHOMP的核心理念並沒有太大改變。我們與更多的餐廳合作夥伴和用戶一起成長，但我們仍然是一家初創企業！
2. Can you share a memorable experience from your journey with CHOMP?
Our first-year anniversary party! In November 2022, we celebrated turning officially one year old. We threw a big birthday bash with over 300 people attending, our incredible vendors, and great sponsors from companies who believe in our mission like Sephora and Flash Coffee. To promote our birthday, we also collaborated with HK Tramways, where we wrapped a huge tram! I had never seen so many people support our small biz in one room together.
您能分享一個在CHOMP旅程中令您難忘的經歷嗎？
我們的一周年慶祝派對！在2022年11月，我們慶祝正式滿一歲。我們舉辦了一場盛大的生日派對，有超過300人參加，還有令人難以置信的供應商和像Sephora和Flash Coffee這樣相信我們使命的公司的贊助。為了宣傳我們的生日，我們還與香港電車合作，將一輛巨大的電車包裝起來！我從未見過這麼多人在同一個房間裡支持我們的小企業。
3. How do you balance work and personal life while running CHOMP?
Toughie, some days I feel like I manage to balance, and some days I definitely don’t manage. However, I have found that incorporating regular exercise into my routine helps me stay focused and energized throughout the day. Whether it's going for a run, practicing yoga, or hitting the gym, exercise allows me to clear my mind and prioritize my well-being. Additionally, spending quality time with my support system is crucial. Whether it's having dinner with loved ones, going for a walk with friends, or simply having a phone call with my loved ones, these moments help me maintain a sense of connection and perspective outside of work. Balancing work and personal life as a young and busy entrepreneur is an ongoing journey, but by prioritizing exercise, spending time with my support system, and recharging, I find it is the best combo.
在經營CHOMP的同時，您如何平衡工作和個人生活？
這是一個困難的問題，有些日子我覺得自己能夠平衡，有些日子明顯無法做到。然而，我發現將定期運動納入我的日常生活中有助於我整天保持專注和精力充沛。無論是跑步、練瑜伽還是去健身房，運動讓我能夠清空思緒，優先考慮自己的健康。此外，與我的支持系統共度優質時間至關重要。無論是與親人共進晚餐，與朋友散步，還是與摯愛通話，這些時刻幫助我保持與工作以外的連接和遠見。作為一個年輕且忙碌的企業家，平衡工作和個人生活是一個不斷進行的旅程，但通過優先考慮運動、與支持系統共度時間和充電，我發現這是最好的組合。
CHOMP's Impact and Future Plans
CHOMP的影響力和未來計劃
1. Can you briefly introduce CHOMP, its mission and what makes it unique?
CHOMP is Hong Kong's food-saving app with a mission to reduce food waste by connecting F&B businesses, like restaurants and cafes, with customers who can purchase discounted meal boxes containing unsold items. Since 2021, they’ve saved over 3000 kg of edible food from going to landfills, partnering with 140+ establishments, including renowned brands such as Maxim’s, Shangri-La, Flash Coffee, and more. Their efforts have garnered attention and recognition from various media outlets, including Forbes, SCMP, NowTV, Ming Pao, and Tatler, further spreading awareness about the importance of reducing food waste.
1. 能否簡單介紹一下CHOMP的使命以及其獨特之處？ CHOMP是香港的「節約食物」應用程式，致力於通過連接餐廳、咖啡店等餐飲業與顧客，提供折扣餐盒內含未售食品，以減少食物浪費。自2021年以來，他們已經挽救超過3000公斤食物，避免被丟入填埋場，並與140多家知名品牌合作，包括美心、香格里拉、Flash Coffee等。他們的努力受到福布斯、南華早報、NowTV、明報和達文西等媒體的關注和認可，進一步提高了減少食物浪費的重要性。
2. What inspired you to start CHOMP?
With a background in F&B, I saw firsthand how much perfectly edible food was getting discarded on a daily basis. Growing up in Switzerland, I was so used to living sustainably with home composting and package-free grocery stores. When I moved here in 2019, I was shocked by how behind we were in sustainability. I felt like I had to do something instead of unlearning all my practices.
2. 是什麼激發您創辦CHOMP？
作為餐飲業背景的人，我親眼目睹每天有大量完全可食用的食物被丟棄。在瑞士長大，我習慣了可持續生活，如家庭堆肥和無包裝雜貨店。當我於2019年來到這裡時，我對我們在可持續發展方面的落後感到震驚。我覺得我必須採取行動，而不是放棄我所有的做法。
3. How does CHOMP tackle food waste and promote eco-friendly practices?
CHOMP tackles food waste by utilizing its app to connect F&B businesses, such as restaurants and cafes, with customers who can purchase discounted meal boxes containing unsold items. Every order on CHOMP is about 1 kg of food saved from going into HK’s landfills!
3. CHOMP如何應對食物浪費並促進環保實踐？
CHOMP通過應用程式連接餐廳、咖啡店等餐飲業與顧客，供應折扣餐盒內含未售食品，以解決食物浪費問題。每在CHOMP上下訂單，就等於挽救了約1公斤食物，免於填埋香港的垃圾場！
4. Could you share some key milestones or successes that CHOMP has achieved in its mission to reduce food waste?
We recently signed with Maxim’s Homebake in Central, which was a big goal of ours. I also got awarded with Forbes 30 Under 30 and Tatler’s Gen T. Honoree, which was a huge milestone this year. This really solidified our standing in the F&B community that we’re serious and that we’re here to stay with our mission.
4. 能分享一些CHOMP在減少食物浪費方面取得的重要里程碑或成功嗎？
我們最近與位於中環的美心Homebake簽約，這是我們的一個重大目標。今年，我還獲得了福布斯30位30歲以下社會影響力榮譽和達文西的Gen T榮譽，這是一個重要的里程碑。這確定了我們在餐飲界的地位，證明我們對使命的嚴肅態度和長期存在。
5. What are CHOMP's plans for the future?
Moving forward, CHOMP has exciting plans to expand its impact in two key areas: hotels and education. Reducing food waste for hotels and spreading awareness and knowledge through corporates, schools, and universities. The goal is to empower students and future leaders with the understanding and skills to make sustainable choices and combat food waste.
CHOMP的未來計劃是什麼？
展望未來，CHOMP計劃在兩個關鍵領域擴大影響：酒店和教育。他們將繼續為酒店減少食物浪費，同時透過企業、學校和大學，提高意識和知識的傳播。目標是賦予學生和未來領袖對可持續選擇的理解和技能，共同對抗食物浪費。
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 創業者的建議
Any tips for individuals wanting to start on their entrepreneurial journey?
Yes, yes, yes, do it! I really believe hesitating will get you nowhere. Do your research, ask your friends, ask your mentors, and take the plunge and go forward.
As our conversation with Carla drew to a close, it became evident that CHOMP's journey is a testament to the power of determination and a commitment to making a tangible difference in the world. Through the lens of this innovative food-saving app, we witnessed the impact that a well-crafted idea and unwavering dedication can have on the community and the environment. With a passionate leader at its helm, CHOMP continues to forge ahead, leaving a trail of reduced food waste and heightened environmental consciousness in its wake, inspiring others to follow suit and become agents of change in their own communities. make it short and clear.
對於那些希望踏上創業之路的人有什麼建議？
是的，是的，是的，就去做吧！我真的相信猶豫不決只會使你一事無成。做好研究，向朋友、導師尋求建議，然後鼓起勇氣，勇往直前。
隨著我們與Carla的對話接近尾聲，明顯可見CHOMP的旅程證明了堅定意志和致力於在世界上產生實質影響的力量。通過這個創新的節約食物應用程式，我們見證了一個精心設計的理念和堅韌不拔的奉獻如何對社區和環境產生影響。在一位充滿熱情的領導者的引領下，CHOMP不斷前進，留下減少食物浪費和提高環境意識的痕跡，激勵其他人效法，成為他們自己社區中的變革者。簡潔明確地表達。
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