Walmart launched an expansive array of fresh meal kits in 250 of its United States stores, the retailer announced on Monday, 5 March – but seafood is not yet on the menu.
Last year, Walmart.com began selling nearly 30 shelf-stable meal kits, including some containing seafood, in an attempt to bite off a piece of the burgeoning meal-kit market, which reached an estimated USD 1.5 billion (EUR 1.2 billion) in sales over the past five years, according to Packaged Facts.
Walmart’s newly announced foray into the lucrative fresh meal-kits market doesn’t include seafood ingredients for now, but in comments to SeafoodSource, a Walmart representative said the retailer may add seafood in the future.
‘We’re always looking at our assortment and are focused on making sure we get this solution right for our customers. We’re also making sure we get the process right as we roll this out to more and more stores,” Molly Blakeman, a spokesperson for Walmart, told SeafoodSource. “We’re pleased with what we’re hearing from customers and are always looking for feedback so we can adjust as needed.”
The meal kits, also available via Walmart’s online grocery pickup service, will be rolled out at more than 2,000 stores this year. The retail giant is trying to keep pace with numerous other supermarket chains that have launched meal-kit offerings over the past two years. Walmart executives believe the retailer’s offerings are different enough from the competition to succeed.
“We know our customers are busy and sometimes putting dinner on the table can be a chore. We’ve built a solution that’s right for them – these meal kits and prepared meals help with dinner tonight or later this week,” Blakeman said. “The meals are built with quality and value in mind. On top of all this, meals are made fresh in-store daily.”
Walmart’s new line of “Pre-Portioned Meal Kits” includes Steak Dijon, Basil Garlic Chicken, Sweet Chili Chicken Stir Fry, and Pork Florentine. Walmart is also selling “One-Step Meals,” which include Chicken Alfredo, Meatloaf, Spaghetti and Meatballs, Chicken Parmesan, and Pot Roast. And the retailer’s “Rotisserie Chicken Meals” offer some curated ingredients for a quick dinner to have with a Walmart rotisserie chicken. Flavors include Thai Curry Chicken and Chicken Fried Rice.
“Whether you’re an experienced chef or new cook, you can create these meals with your own flair,” the retailer said in a statement.
The meal kits, which range from USD 8.00 (EUR 6.49) to USD 15.00 (EUR 12.16) each, serve two people.
