Munch application downloads are close to 5 million, while the number of Munch partners now stands at 8,000, co-founder Albert Wettstein told MTI.

In addition to Hungary, Munch has partners in Czechia, Slovakia and Romania.

This year, Munch plans to focus on enhancing operations in its existing markets, Wettstein said.

About Munch: 

Since its founding in 2020 by four university students, Munch has evolved from a local startup into Central and Eastern Europe's leading food-rescue platform.

Here is a deeper look into their impact and business model as of April 2026:

1. Significant Milestones

* Saved Value: The platform has prevented roughly HUF 8 billion in food waste, equivalent to over 6.5 million portions of food.
* Environmental Impact: In 2024 alone, they saved 1,700 tonnes of food, preventing over 8,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.
* User Base: The app has reached nearly 5 million downloads across four countries (Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Romania).

2. Expanding Business Model

Originally a marketplace for surplus restaurant meals, Munch has diversified significantly:

* Retail Partnerships: They now partner with major chains like SPAR, Penny, and Auchan. The collaboration with Auchan recently celebrated its 100,000th "Munch" package.
* Munch Market: A newer service that acts as a direct retailer/aggregator, using its own warehouse and logistics to sell products that are close to their expiration date.
* Munch Club: A subscription-based model offering exclusive "1+1 deals" and extra discounts to over 20,000 members in major Hungarian cities like Budapest, Szeged, and Győr.

3. International Growth

Munch has successfully scaled beyond Hungary through strategic mergers and acquisitions:

* Czech Republic: Merged with Nesnezeno in 2022.
* Romania: Recently acquired the Romanian platform Bonapp (February 2025) to solidify its presence in Bucharest and 20 other Romanian cities.
* Total Coverage: The platform now operates in over 450 cities with more than 8,000 partners (restaurants, bakeries, and supermarkets).

4. Recent Funding

In late 2025, Munch closed a major investment round led by Interactive Venture Partners, a US-based fund founded by Thomas Peterffy (often cited as the "world's richest Hungarian"). This funding is currently being used to deepen their technological infrastructure and market presence in existing territories rather than expanding to new countries.

Quick Setup

Download the free app from Google Play or the App Store—it's called "Munch: Save tasty food!" and supports Hungarian cities like Budapest.

Register with your email or phone in under a minute; no complex setup needed.

This screenshot shows the app's interface with nearby deals, like discounted pastries and meals from local spots in Budapest.

Step-by-Step Usage - follow these simple steps to get started:
 

1. Open the app and select your city (e.g., Budapest).

2. Browse available "Munch" packages—surprise bundles of fresh, unsold food with details on price, rating, distance, and pickup time.

3. Choose a package, view the description or map location, and buy via in-app payment.

4. Head to the store during the specified slot, scan or swipe in the app to claim it.

5. Enjoy your saved food guilt-free.

Tips for Best Experience

Packages sell out fast, especially evenings, so check frequently for deals from 3000+ partners.
It's buyer-only for individuals; businesses use a separate seller app. Contact support at hello@munch.hu if needed.

Source: MTI – Hungary’s national news agency since 1881. While MTI articles are usually factual, some may contain political bias, and readers should be aware that such content does not reflect the position of XpatLoop, which is neutral and independent.

Since the goal of XpatLoop is to keep readers well briefed, right across the spectrum of opinions, MTI items are shared to ensure readers are aware of all narratives within the local media.

XpatLoop believes in empowering readers to form their own views through complete and comprehensive coverage. To facilitate this XpatLoop has a balanced range of news partners, as you can see when you surf around XpatLoop.com
 

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