Fashol Uses Tech to Fix Food Supply Chain in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is seeing a fresh wave of food innovation as a local startup, Fashol, uses technology to connect farmers directly to retailers and cut out middlemen. This new food-tech model is helping stabilize prices, reduce waste, and improve farmer incomes nationwide. Founded in 2020 by Sakib Hossain and Mamunur Rashid, Fashol recently joined the AgFunder GROW Impact Accelerator in Singapore. The startup has built a digital platform that links local farmers, small retailers, and institutional buyers—ensuring fair prices and reducing food spoilage. One major challenge in Bangladesh’s agri-food system is that up to 35% of produce gets spoiled before it reaches consumers. Farmers often receive low prices, not enough to cover their costs. Fashol’s solution is simple yet effective: buy directly from farmers and deliver fresh produce to shops by 6 a.m. Retailers place orders online the previous night, and Fashol handles the rest . This system benefits both sides. Farmers get higher earnings, while retailers save time and reduce their spoilage. In some cases, families even save on hiring extra workers or paying for storage space. “Our aim is to create a win-win,” said Fashol CEO Sakib Hossain. “Farmers receive fair compensation, and retailers get accurate, timely information on fresh food arrivals.” The platform has already raised $1 million in funding, including support from Orbit Startups and South Asia Tech Partners. This capital helps Fashol build tech tools to forecast demand, track delivery routes, and monitor temperature-controlled transport—combining food systems with smart technology. Key to this impact are Fashol Farmers’ Centres, which serve as collection, storage, and sorting hubs. These centres not only ensure quality control but also provide services like seed distribution, technical advice, and payment support, helping both farmers and retailers. This innovation supports Bangladesh’s broader goals of modernizing agriculture and improving rural incomes. By integrating food and tech, Fashol sets an example for sustainable, inclusive growth. Experts say this model shows how technology can revolutionize traditional sectors—reducing waste, increasing incomes, and ensuring a stable food supply.