Fresh Del Monte Produce has invested in US-based vegan meal kit provider Purple Carrot as it gains access to the developing retail channel for meal kits.
Launched in 2014, Purple Carrot delivers fresh, pre-portioned ingredients around the US with step-by-step guides for people to cook plant-based meals at home.
Purple Carrot said it aims to empower its customers to integrate plant-based eating into their lives – while not completely giving up meat, fish and dairy.
The deal follows on from Fresh Del Monte Produce’s acquisition, through its subsidiary Del Monte Fresh Produce, of Mann Packing earlier this year.
Fresh Del Monte CEO Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh said: “This investment builds on our commitment to seize growth opportunities that will further diversify our business, leverage our distribution network and infrastructure, and get healthful, fresh fruit and vegetable offerings in as many channels as possible.
Purple Carrot delivers a range of vegan meal kits in the US.
“Purple Carrot has tremendous growth momentum in the fast-growing plant-based food segment with a well-known brand and an authentic connection with its customers. We believe there will be significant opportunities for our teams to create increased value through product mix and channel expansion.”
The deal is the latest in a succession of investments in meal kit providers, as the market becomes increasingly saturated.
So far this year, Sun Basket has secured $57.8 million in funding as it aims to become a $1 billion revenue business, Gousto has raised £28.5 million and HelloFresh has acquired Colorado-based organic meal kit provider Green Chef.
© FoodBev Media Ltd 2024