About
The Yume story
Yume’s mission is to create a world without waste by facilitating the sale and donation of surplus food that may have otherwise been discarded.
Yume was founded in 2014 by food rescue veteran, Katy Barfield, after witnessing the amount of food that’s wasted in the commercial food sector.
The existing food supply framework in Australia means that 9.5 million tonnes of food is discarded each year; 3.9 million tonnes of which is from the commercial food sector. It’s estimated that between 400,000 and 600,000 tonnes of that food is accessible, edible, quality food and could not just be rescued, but used, eaten and enjoyed.
And it’s not just about the food. More than a quarter of the water we use globally goes to grow the 1.3 trillion kilograms of food that no one will ever eat. Plus, our planet simply can’t absorb the huge amounts of methane produced by fresh food in landfill as it breaks down.
Yume is the answer to this broken system.
The Team
Katy Barfield
Founder
Katy is a food rescue veteran with more than a decade’s experience. As the founder and CEO of SecondBite, she led the organisation through exponential growth, turning a handful of volunteers into a national not-for-profit organisation. With her in charge, SecondBite distributed millions of kilos of fresh surplus food to over 1200 community food programs nationwide. Katy created Yume in 2014, spurred by her frustration at the enormous volumes of food still going to waste.
If she could have an endless supply of only one food group (without the waste), it would be cheese and wine.
Tom McQuillen
Head of Product and Processes
Tom worked with some of Australia’s biggest companies in both the Risk and Consulting service lines, before relocating to Nicaragua to manage a sustainable conservation NGO with a staff of approximately 30 Nicaraguan employees and international volunteers.
He’s involved in the day-to-day operations of Yume including product management, process improvement and data analysis.
You can find him splitting his spare time between the beach and a Stranger Things marathon.
Hannah Court
Head of Business Development
Hannah’s background in the corporate law sector has given her an in-depth understanding of big business, facilitating large-scale leasing and sale contracts.
At Yume, she’s responsible for inspiring and engaging with national and local businesses, as well as managing the daily operation of the Yume platform and the Business Development team.
When Hannah’s not working hard for Yume, you can find her obsessing over dogs that look like their owners.
Camila Cantoli
Buyer Relationship Manager (NSW)
After eight years of working in the corporate world, across two different continents, Camila decided it was time to move to an organisation that would bring measurable results to the world. She’s worked alongside some of the world’s biggest media gurus and been part of the most successful television and channel launches of the past decade.
Camila’s experience in international campaigns and business development projects both in Australia and South America has given her a broad understanding of what it takes to build a successful business.
When she's got a day off away from her desk, you can find Cami floating in a pool, enjoying a glass of Malbec.
Taylah Brendish
Marketing Co-Ordinator
Taylah is a recent graduate of a Masters of Marketing Communication from The University of Melbourne, and also has a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Media and Communications under her belt.
At Yume, she’s responsible for organising marketing, PR and events. Being passionate about creating a positive environmental impact, she’s looking forward to seeing Yume thrive.
She’s not ashamed to admit that she spends way too much time online reading Game of Thrones fan theories.
What they say about us
"Earlier this year, The Australian Superfood Co reformulated its raw bars and had old stock to clear. Yume addressed our brief and worked tirelessly to introduce us to new, appropriate customers. We ended up selling a portion of the bars and donating the rest"
Hayley Blieden, Australian Superfood Co
"Yume is a great concept, which is an ideal solution for all suppliers of the food industry to assist in selling excess and short dated stock. Yume has helped M&J Chickens to minimise waste and reduce costly excess stock in our freezers."
Anthony, M&J Chickens
"We bought some beautiful organic purple garlics. We used some in cooking and are fermenting the rest of them!"
Jesse Gerner, Bomba
"When producing a fresh product, time is of the essence. Yume allows access to a large marketplace, quickly and professionally, when supply sometimes outweighs demand. Yume allows us the flexibility to find a market for any excess product. Which saves me time, improves cash flow and, in some cases, creates new long term customers."
Jim Arrowsmith, Pacdon Park
"Hurray for YUME!!! It’s the best thing that’s come along for sustainably conscious farmers and producers in a long time!! Yume offer us a one-stop solution for our surplus produce. It's an efficient and cost effective way to manage inventory and add to our sustainability credentials"
Cathy Romano, Fenton Hill Organic Farm
"Yume connects me to an easy and smart choice that helps our business while allowing us to contribute to the reduction of food waste. It often feels like being an ethical business comes at an expense to profitability, Yume has made the ethical choice profitable."
James Barbour, Boisdale Best
"I purchased boutique free range bacon through Yume for less than my non-free range bacon usually goes for!"
Ben, Bay Leaf Catering