COMMERCE TECH

Walmart gets into Meal Kits Business

Walmart, in another bid to take on Amazon Fresh, rolled out meal kits and simpler “one-step meals” to 250 stores. The service is expected to be offered by 2,000 stores this year.

Walmart’s meal kits will serve two people and range in price from $8 to $15. The kits include rotisserie chicken meals (Thai Curry Chicken and Chicken Fried Rice); pre-portioned kit meals (Steak Dijon, Basil Garlic Chicken, Sweet Chili Chicken Stir Fry, and Pork Florentine); as well as One Step Meals (Chicken Alfredo, Cheesy Ravioli Bake, Meatloaf, Spaghetti and Meatballs, Chicken Parmesan, Pulled Beef, Chicken Marsala, Curry Chicken, Pot Roast, and Chicken Enchiladas).

The existing meal kit providers like Blue Apron and Hellofresh have to deal with the costs and complexity of delivery associated with the online model. Walmart has a huge brick and mortar base and its service requires no subscription.

Tyler Lehr, senior vice president and general merchandise manager of deli services for Walmart U.S. said in a statement, “Customers are busier than ever and we know getting a delicious dinner on the table can be a chore. We’re here to help. These delicious meals give the best or worst of cooks a fresh, easy option for dinner tonight, or later this week.”