Target is the latest U.S. grocery chain to launch new meal kits and sides with seafood as an option.
While many chains are partnering with a third-party meal-kit supplier, Target is rolling out more than 100 exclusive products under its Archer Farms private label.
“Heading home for dinner and nothing planned? We’ve all been there. In fact, 53 percent of dinners are planned within an hour of eating,” Target said on its website. “If you’re doing the mealtime scramble more often than you’d like, we’re here to help.”
The Minneapolis, Minnesota-based retailer’s new “easy meal offerings” include more than 100 exclusive products, from Ready-To-Heat Grilled Fajita Chicken Strips and Burrata Lemon Zest Herb Ravioli to frozen seafood appetizers and sides.
“Mix and match your family’s favorites to put together a perfect meal that’s ready in a flash,” according to Target’s promotional materials for the new products.
While the new meal kits are heavy on chicken and beef offerings, seafood products are also included. Some of the Archer Farms seafood-focused “easy meal offerings” include: Crab Rangoon, Bacon-Wrapped Scallops, Mini Frozen Crab Cakes, and Lobster and Cheese Bites.
The ready-to-heat meats, salads, pastas, sides, and soups are priced between USD 2.99 (EUR 2.56) and USD 8.99 (EUR 7.71).
Target is one of many major supermarket chains to add meal kits to its portfolio in the past two years. Walmart, one of Target's primary competitors, recently added meal kits to its online offerings — including some seafood kits.
Walmart partnered with meal-kit provider Gobble to offer options such as the Brown Sugar Salmon kit for USD 95.92 (EUR 82.24), which serves four people for two nights.
Walmart also launched an expansive array of fresh meal kits in 250 of its U.S. stores, but the initial launch did not include seafood kits.
Target did not definitively say whether it will add more seafood-specific meal kits and sides, but did not rule out the possibility.
“We know our guests are always looking for time-saving measures, but we also know they’re not willing to compromise on quality or taste. We heard from guests that they were looking for easily accessible, trend-forward and globally inspired dinnertime, lunchtime, and anytime options,” Target said.
Target also works with other third-party meal providers, such as Local Crate, which delivers locally-sourced meal kits.
