Hormel said the changes will result in reducing its usage of packaging materials by an estimated 337,000 pounds per year over prior packaging.

Health has been one of the main drivers of demand for fresh meal kits at retail, said Tony Phi Dang, executive chef at Southern California retailer Gelson’s.

One of Home Chef’s newer recipes featuring harissa, Moroccan-Style Harissa Shrimp, has received very positive ratings from customers, the company said.

Leading grocers are incorporating more environmentally friendly factors into their stores, including bakery packaging and delivery services.

Marc McGregor, Novacart’s national sales manager, North America, said that consumers are actively looking for sustainable types of packaging.

For kits that include uncooked proteins, the meat and seafood sections are often the home of choice.

With such rising interest in all-natural and organic products, marketing and merchandising these items is fairly easy.

Smaller retailers may find it challenging to absorb the costs associated with compliance, potentially leading to consolidation in the industry or, in some cases, closures. 

Corey Scott started in her new role with the company on March 13.

New at Southern California retailer Gelson’s are two all-in-one meal kit programs: “What’s 4 Dinner” and “Dinner 2 Night.”