Food tech start-up offers all-in-one e-procurement solution for restaurants

Watermelon Market, established in 2021, provides an all-in-one e-Procurement solution for restaurants and food and beverage suppliers throughout the Middle East via a user-friendly web and mobile-based platform.

“Having worked as a supplier to F&B outlets across the region for close to two decades I’ve experienced procurement challenges first-hand. At Watermelon, our aim is to streamline this process for both the seller and receiver, while eliminating unreliable services, never-ending and complicated What’s App group messages, and unnecessary paperwork. We offer a holistic, evolved, and proven approach that is a win for everyone involved and supports operational objectives.” Says Cristobal David De Nadai Albornoz, CCO and co-founder at Watermelon Market.

As the sector expands regionally, procurement pain points increase, necessitating the need for such a solution. Watermelon Market’s unprecedented approach is set to be well-received with the industry regionally and globally as the firm evolves, leveraging the power of proprietary technology developed in-house coupled with hands-on industry intel.

Watermelon’s user-friendly interface gives customers access to a proven inventory management system, bringing full transparency to a traditionally rigid and painful process. The ability to track, manage, and receive complete financial insights on a single unified and integrated cloud-based platform is also covered. Furthermore, suppliers can manage orders, inventory, and invoices, as well as receive notifications when stock is running low. Customer service is also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

In the last year, Watermelon Market has reduced purchase order time by 70% across over 7,000 orders.

Watermelon also connects customers and suppliers through their marketplace on the platform. Customers can easily connect, interact, and execute transactions that are automatically managed and maintained on the Watermelon Market ecosystem because they have access to over 400 verified suppliers.

“We currently house over 24,000 SKUs on our marketplace, which has had a positive impact on our customers and community so far. Through our platform, customers have saved time and reduced over-ordering supplies, resulting in reduced waste and saved money – a win for business owners. Our

smart free platform fosters the ability for f&B business owners to prioritize focuses towards culinary craft and experience, while we handle the rest,” adds Omar AlShamsi, co-founder at Watermelon Market.

Omar AlShamsi, Cristobal David De Nadai Albornoz, and Archya Sengupta have over 70 years of combined experience and founded the company with three co-owners who were brought together by their shared appreciation for the f&b market and technology. Watermelon Market currently has a presence in the UAE, with plans to expand across the GCC in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Watermelon Market provides restaurants with ease and efficiency, as well as suppliers with convenience and control throughout the Middle East and beyond.