In an era marked by technological innovation, every aspect of industry is being transformed, and the food supply chain is no exception. Yola Fresh, a pioneering startup in Morocco, is at the forefront of this revolution. By integrating cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI), the company is reshaping agricultural supply chains.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), through its Star Venture programme, is providing the necessary advisory support with the help of the EBRD Small Business Impact Fund (funded by Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Luxembourg, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the TaiwanBusiness-EBRD Technical Cooperation Fund and the United States of America).

Traditional food supply chains often suffer from inefficiencies and a lack of transparency. Smallholder farmers struggle to access markets, while retailers face uncertainties regarding produce quality and availability. This disconnected system leads to significant food wastage and financial insecurity for the stakeholders involved.

Yola Fresh is working to bridge this gap by connecting smallholder farmers directly with traditional retailers through an advanced digital platform. By leveraging AI, Yola Fresh offers farmers valuable insights into crop demand and optimal harvesting times, empowering them to plan and manage their production more effectively.

At the retail end of the chain, a streamlined ordering process and reliable delivery schedules ensure that retailers receive fresh produce promptly and efficiently, saving them time and money. The digital platform also means that transactions are transparent, providing retailers with instructive data that give them access to financial services to support their businesses.