Kristoffer Hagstedt
Managing Director, Europe
Upshop
As CEO of Whywaste, Kristoffer was dedicated to combating food waste, providing advanced end-of-life product solutions for grocery retailers like Asda, One Stop, SPAR International and Coop Sweden.
Kristoffer’s leadership not only drove Whywaste’s success, but now as the Managing Director for Europe after Invafresh’s acquisition of Whywaste in October 2023 and eventual merger with Upshop in 2024, he has also strengthened Invafresh’s position as a sustainability innovation leader in fresh grocery.
By helping retailers implement AI-enhanced sustainability solutions, Kristoffer has helped them reduce annual food waste by 40%, reduce annual labor costs by 45% and deliver a better experience for both in-store associates and customers.
“The most significant lesson I’ve learned is the importance of creating a talented, collaborative team with individuals who bring positive energy. Surrounding yourself with motivated and uplifting people fosters innovation, enhances productivity and creates a dynamic work environment that positively spills over to customers, enhancing their experience as well.”
How do you explain your profession to people outside of the industry? What do you find most exciting and/or rewarding about this work?
What are the core requirements of your job and how do you measure success?
What is one notable professional achievement you've made over the past year that you are most proud of?
What professional challenge or failure has stuck with you, and how did you embrace it?
What trend or technology do you believe will have the most profound impact on your work (and the work of your peers) over the next year?
If you could say one thing to your younger self, what would it be?
