Covid-19 resuscitates meal kit business.

Sales are up, but analysts question whether momentum is sustainable.

Meal kits seemed like a fad, and providers like Blue Apron reached exciting heights on Wall Street. That said, meal kits never achieved widespread adoption. Then, as some logistical realities and cost-of-goods set in and things hit the skids. 

Covid brought a little life back to the meal kit industry.

Per Adweek’s Paul Hiebert and Lisa Lacy in April 2020: Cooking at home can elicit a sense of control during this out-of-control moment [Covid].

Whether they’re able to continue to take advantage remains to be seen. Supermarkets and quick-service concepts have jumped on board offering lower-cost options. Restaurants have jumped in the game.

Retail expert Brittain Ladd prognosticated in Forbes Magazine 2018 “The next big thing in food will be on-demand hot cooked meals delivered direct to customers, further eroding the need for meal-kit companies. 

Getty Images - Adweek April 2020

Organic Sales Up 5 Percent in 2019

Organic Sales Up 5 Percent in 2019

Organic Trade Association’s 2020 Industry Survey

Today’s interest in organic may be intensified, but organic’s growing popularity isn’t new. Consumers are eating more organic food and using more organic products than ever before, according to the 2020 Organic Industry Survey released by the Organic Trade Association. The U.S. organic sector posted a banner year in 2019, with organic sales in the food and non-food markets totaling a record $55.1 billion, up a solid 5 percent from the previous year.

Panda Express Delivers Today's Comfort Food

Andrew & Peggy Cherng, founders of Panda Express know their Original Orange Chicken is comfort food for so many families.

According to the USDA, Americans spend more than 50% of their food dollars away from home.  People buy less food to cook at home.  Panda Express’ Orange Chicken has become a comfort food for many families according to Panda’s founders. In response, Panda is staying open for take-out, and in many locations drive through and delivery.  An additional benefit is keeping their team members employed during this difficult time. 

It’s Time for Comfort Food.