Down to the Roots: Tony Fernandes and The Rotten Fruit Box

If you visit Portugal, you’ll find many charming farms and small orchards. The countryside here is dotted with villages like this: quaint and welcoming, surrounded by European greenery and the warm wind blowing in from the coast. Tucked into this beautiful landscape is a small company that sells to consumers in over 100 countries around the world, all based out of just a single warehouse and office. This small store is freeze-drying fruit from local farms that would otherwise go bad, hence its name: The Rotten Fruit Box. Behind this nearly-solo startup, is Tony Fernandes. Healthy freeze-dried fruit snacks delivered to your door (or office). They use 100% fruit, nothing else added, sourced from small farmers. They focus on reducing food waste by using "ugly"​ fruit that would not otherwise find its way to supermarkets.