Founded in 2013 by Pat Vihtelic, Home Chef merged with Kroger in 2018, bringing its meal solution products to over 2,200 retail stores nationwide.
Meal kits experienced a surge in demand from consumers throughout the pandemic in 2020 and into 2021 with nearly half of consumers reporting having tried a meal kit in the past year, according to a nationwide survey of 30,544 adults aged 18 and over released by Piplsay.
As more consumers turn to mealtime shortcuts, ready-to-eat products, and heat-and-eat meal options, Home Chef said it is continually listening to feedback to expand its product selection in-store.
"We continue to strategically expand Home Chef offerings across our family of companies. Whether it's meal kits, or heat-and-eat and ready-to-cook solutions – which are available via subscription, in-store, pickup, or delivery – it's safe to say that Home Chef has mealtime covered," stated Dan De La Rosa, Kroger's group vice president of fresh merchandising.
"By offering time-saving meal solutions at Kroger Family of Stores, we're able to simplify the cooking process, provide a wide variety of options, and allow customers to enjoy a delicious homemade experience. We're excited to continue scaling the brand and creating new products that are accessible to customers nationwide," added Erik Jensen, president of Home Chef.
