FMI Emerge Mentor, Meg Barnhart marries up FMI Digitally Engaged Food Shopper insights and her company’s ecommerce strategy.
In a news story published August 31, 2018, The zen of slow cooking Expands Distribution Through Kroger Ship, the story shares that as demand for the convenience of online grocery shopping grows, the largest grocery chains are turning to their customer’s favorite food brands to stock their digital shelves. As of August 1, 2018, throughout the U.S., Kroger shoppers can now order from, and have their groceries delivered to their home. In their grocery orders, now Kroger shoppers can add the zen of slow cooking spice blends to their online orders through Kroger Ship, helping to make their home cooked meals even better.
Earlier this year, a study conducted by the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) and Nielsen released results from their Digitally Engaged Food Shopper, found that 49% of US consumers purchase grocery items online. Amongst millennials and Generation X the numbers were higher – 61% and 55%, respectively. They forecast that 70% of US shoppers could be buying groceries online by 2022 and that online grocery sales could reach $100 billion by that time.
the zen of slow cooking co-creators, Meg Barnhart and Jane McKay, set out to make family meals more delicious and accessible for people with an array of family and work situations, allowing more time with family and friends because of Kroger Ship online option. They have been coordinating with the FMI Foundation as tomorrow begins Family Meals Month.
Available on Kroger Ship the zen on slow cooking spice blends: Coq Au Vin, Indian Dal, Provençale, Mediterranean, Southwest Fiesta and Smoky BBQ are Non-GMO, gluten-free, and most are salt free. (There is a small amount of salt in the Smoky BBQ blend and Indian Dal) and are designed to create a meal for 4-6 people. Each colorful packet is made with premium non-irradiated spices designed to be used in combination with all multi cooker meals. the zen of slow cooking provides recipes for each blend to make new delicious meal easily.
“We are truly grateful and so excited to be part of Kroger’s new Kroger Ship program. It feels like a full circle for me as Kroger was my “go-to” store when we lived in Atlanta and our son Doug, spent his high school years bagging at one of their affiliate stores in the Chicago area,” says Barnhart. “We love how Kroger is giving their customers an opportunity to experience a curated selection of specialty items and are we are hoping it will be a big success!”
As a member of the FMI Emerge community, you have access to valuable mentors such as Meg, who shares her business journey with emerging brands.