From Casablanca pastry shop to a startup revolution : The story of Ayman Jaradat

Currently a third-year medical student at the University Hospital of Casablanca, Ayman still remembers the night everything started. In his first year, he and some friends stopped by a pastry shop in the neighborhood, just before closing time. What they found? A counter full of unsold food, destined to be thrown away.  « As broke students, we were just looking for a good deal, » he laughs. « I talked to the owner and managed to negotiate three meals for the price of one. That moment stuck with me — I realized there must be a better way to handle surplus food. »

The next morning, Ayman began doing research. He sent out surveys via WhatsApp groups, student events, and high school circles to gauge interest in a platform that would connect food businesses with consumers looking for affordable and environmentally-friendly dining options. The idea quickly gained traction.

As broke students, we were just looking for a good deal

This idea would come to fruition under the name Refood, a social impact startup, with a simple yet powerful mission: to reduce food waste by turning overproduction into opportunity.

Starting a business as a student is never easy, especially in a country where you’re not a citizen. But Ayman didn’t hesitate. Although he couldn’t immediately register a company due to his visa status, he took the first official step: requesting the company name « Refood » through a negative certificate, thus laying the legal groundwork for what would become Refood SARL.

Knowing the mission was too big for one person, Ayman set out to find co-founders. Through mutual friends, he met Imad Berrada, then Marwane Auidy. Within a week, the three of them celebrated the creation of their company, a milestone fueled by the passion, vision, and boundless energy of students.

Building with heart, not just capital

With limited funds and no access to professional services, the three young men drew from their personal networks. Marwane introduced his classmate, Farid Bouazi, whose technical skills and entrepreneurial spirit earned him a spot as CTO and co-founder.

As the team developed its MVP on a tight budget, they drew inspiration from the startup legends — taking on small tasks and side jobs to push their project forward. Their journey took a pivotal turn in 2024 during GITEX Africa in Marrakech, where they met Corine Ben Hammou of FrenchTech Angers. This meeting was crucial, as it pushed them to move from seeking preliminary funding to refining their core product. It was at that moment that Refood truly began to take shape.

It was as if everything we had worked for was becoming real

A few weeks before the launch, Refood caught the attention of Technopark Morocco, leading to a strategic partnership that provided both legitimacy and space for growth. Shortly thereafter, the team found themselves pitching in front of global investors and institutions such as George Washington University.

And then came an unreal moment: « Thirty minutes before going on stage, I received the email from Apple confirming Refood’s approval for production, » says Ayman, still in awe. « It was as if everything we had worked for became real. »

The impact measured in meals and CO₂ saved

In its first week on the market, Refood sold over 500 mystery food boxes — surplus meals packaged at reduced prices, linking consumers to value and businesses to sustainability. Today, the app has more than 2,500 active users and over 50 partner businesses. The team has since expanded to Marrakech, and the momentum continues to grow.

The impact of Refood goes far beyond downloads and contracts. To date, the platform has helped avoid over 8,657.5 kg of CO₂ emissions by saving food that would otherwise have been wasted — a figure that speaks for itself in an era of climate awareness.

Refood’s innovation has not gone unnoticed. Supported by FrenchTech Miami and having won the African CIO Award for Innovation and Impact, the accolades keep pouring in. The team is now in advanced discussions with giants like Marjane, IKEA, Orange, Carrefour, and UM6P Ventures.

You don’t need millions to start. All you need is an idea, a problem you care about, and people who believe in you

At the heart of Refood, it’s not just a technological solution, but a story of resilience, community, and the power of doing what you can with what you have.

Ayman leaves a message to dreamers: « You don’t need millions to start. All you need is an idea, a problem you care about, and people who believe in you. Even a small moment — like leftover food at a shop’s closing time — can spark something much bigger. »