Japan holds the key to buying quality fruit and vegetables without emptying your wallet. Mercari, the Japanese e-commerce company, is quietly disrupting the way we buy fruit and vegetables.
From flea market to fresh market
Mercari, Japan’s largest community-based marketplace app, has a well-kept secret. Its full potential remains largely under the radar. So much so that I didn’t believe it myself.
Known for its seamless user experience and innovative anonymous shipping through local convenience stores, Mercari goes beyond the typical buy-sell dynamic. In Japan, it has become a household name for vintage clothing, antique cameras, and quirky collectibles. But here’s the kicker: Mercari also sells groceries.
Smartphones are transforming into gateways to virtual farmers markets, allowing users to browse through a wealth of offerings of fresh produce while lounging in their pajamas.
Browsing the store’s products, I found a range of items such as tuna from the Toyosu Fish Market and A5 grade Wagyu beef from a Yakiniku specialty shop, as well as local sweets from street stalls and regional confectioners. As for vegetables and fruits, many items were offered directly from the farmers, including the coveted Yubari Melon.
Mercari offers an impressive variety, available to over 20 million users. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about access to a market as large and diverse as your cravings.
The advantages
1. It is cheap
Many items on Mercari are listed as “imperfect products.” Think oranges with a few blemishes, oddly shaped carrots, and boxes of different-sized apples. These charming quirks mean significantly lower prices compared to traditional markets.
2. It’s fresh
Since many of the offerings come directly from the farmers, freshness is almost guaranteed. The products are often delivered straight from the farm to your home. This is a real farm-to-table experience.
3. It is practical
Whether it’s boxes of tomatoes, bags of sturdy potatoes, or large sacks of rice, Mercari ensures these items are delivered right to your door. This convenience is especially crucial for seniors and parents with young children, and makes grocery shopping virtually effortless.
Mercari also has strict Regulate to keep the platform safe and reliable. You can shop with confidence, knowing that both buyers and sellers are held to high standards.
The rules
Only unopened food items may be offered for sale on Mercari. Photos and detailed descriptions are mandatory: name, ingredients, net weight, best before date, storage method and seller information. Resealable items must be individually wrapped and have visible best before dates and labels. If these details are missing, the outer packaging must be included. No exceptions.
Mercari also welcomes the sale of home-grown produce such as vegetables, fruits and rice. Shoppers on Mercari tend to care more about freshness and taste than appearance, so slight imperfections are acceptable. In other words, Mercari is a great way to reduce waste and for farmers to earn some extra money.
The impact
The estimated total amount of food loss and waste in Japan’s 2021 fiscal year was approximately 5.23 million tonsThat’s about 113 grams per person per day.
By buying from Mercari, you’re not just saving yen – you’re doing the wasteful system a favor and helping to reduce this staggering amount.
Mercari steps in and rescues fruits and vegetables that don’t meet the absurdly high standards of traditional retailers. These slightly damaged or oddly shaped items get a second chance, and you get them for a bargain price.
Seasonal items such as New Year’s treats and winter delicacies, which usually generate a lot of waste, are also part of this range.
So next time you’re craving fresh strawberries or a crisp apple, avoid the overpriced supermarket and head to Mercari. You’ll get quality produce at a fraction of the price and fight food waste. In a country where every grain of rice is sacred, this is a small but significant way to make a difference.
The secret is out: cheap, fresh and sustainable products are just a click away. Scroll and start saving.
