What: Hors Normes has developed a platform that lets organic farmers and producers sell leftover products directly to consumers. Specifically, the service targets agricultural products that mainstream stores may have rejected because they have an abnormal size or shape. Via Hors Normes, consumers can purchase seasonal items at discounts as high as 40%. The company prepares a select basket and delivers it directly to customers' homes. Currently, the service is available only in the Paris, Lyon, and Marseille regions (125 towns) and counts 7,000 customers. Founded in 2020, the company says it tripled revenues in the first six months of 2022.
Why: Producers on average see about 5% of their produce rejected and such items typically just go to waste. By reducing food waste, the company also believes it can have an impact on global warming.
Who: Co-founders are Grégoire Carlier, Sven Ripoche and Claire Laurent
Seed Round: €7 million
Investors: Project A of Germany and Stride VC of the UK
What's next: The company will use the funding to launch in 5 new French cities next year. It is currently considering Bordeaux, Toulouse, Lille, and Nantes. And it's laying the groundwork for potential expansion into Germany, Spain, and Italy. Hors Normes is also focused on expanding the products it carries and creating more options that would let customers customize their baskets. The startup currently has 25 employees and is recruiting 40 more this year.
