Supermarket Perimeter - February 2023 - 17

W
est Des Moines, Iowa-based Hy-Vee puts consumer
convenience first in its meal kit design.
From the product to the packing, the Hy-Vee team
asks itself how the consumer experience can be made better.
Brandon Williams, vice president of bakery, food service,
coffee for Hy-Vee, shared how the company carefully selects the
suppliers it partners with, the company's top-selling products and
tips for store managers.
How much of the meal kit does
Hy-Vee make instore, and how much of
the product comes from a supplier?
Hy-Vee is very selective with our partnerships so that we provide the
best quality, fully cooked protein options for customers. Our remaining
food options are a combination of our Fresh Hy-Vee Commissary and
store-made options prepared and packaged at the store. Our team also
utilizes our fresh bakery for pies and rolls as well.
Home Chef gives away
a year of meal kits
Chicago-based Home Chef, a subsidiary of Cincinnatibased
The Kroger Co., held a giveaway last month to kick
off the new year.
What makes a supplier great to partner with?
There are many attributes that make a supplier great to work with. First,
we look for constant and up-front communication. Building strong
communication is key for any partnership to succeed. During peak
selling times, every second counts, and we look to our partners to help
us take care of our stores and our customers.
Many of our suppliers go the extra mile to support our program every
year. These established relationships have allowed us to work through
supply chain issues and has been the key to success in keeping our
stores stocked. Hy-Vee has an amazing sourcing team that works to
build successful relationships with our partners.
How can suppliers best support retailers when
it comes to promoting their products?
This comes back to communication is key with our suppliers. Hy-Vee
does its best to partner with companies that we know provide amazing
quality products. We do not believe in cutting corners. Hy-Vee strives to
provide the best possible products at a great price for our customers.
What are Hy-Vee's best-selling meal kits?
Our best-selling meat kits vary depending on the season. However,
our top selling meal kits are usually whole turkeys, turkey breast, spiral
hams and prime rib. One of the reasons our meal kits sell so well is we
are able to meet and exceed customer meal kit needs. We have various
sizes in our meal kit options that can feed 2-12-plus customers. We
also have a variety of options for our sides, rolls and desserts that our
customers can choose from.
Are there any new meal kits that Hy-Vee is excited about?
Hy-Vee recently launched a brunch meal pack. Our customers are now
able to build their own fabulous brunch with many delicious options
including quiche, bacon, sausage, bakery-fresh cinnamon rolls and
FEBRUARY 2023 - 17
Throughout the last two weeks of January, consumers
submitted their goals for 2023, in 500 words or less, to the
company as an entry to a meal kit giveaway.
According to the company, the giveaway winners will be
notified in an email by Feb. 15.
Ten contestants will receive three months of meal kits, and
an additional grand prize winner will receive an entire year
of meal kits along with $5,000.
" At Home Chef, we know that a simplified mealtime
routine makes other aspirations in life a bit easier too, " said
Shira Schwarz, VP of brand marketing for Home Chef,
" Whether you want to cook more with family at home,
commit to a fitness routine or learn a new skill, Home Chef
is excited to provide that extra ease and convenience to
help fuel 2023 goals, in and out of the kitchen. "
Supermarket Perimeter - February 2023

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