Subscription box services are a relatively new marketing phenomenon but one that has taken the world by storm. Known for being extremely popular among millenials in the form of monthly curated beauty boxes, the subscription box craze has expanded to include options for razors, sci-fi memorabilia, candy, crystals, and now, fresh produce. Companies like Chef’s Plate, Yummy Dishes, Miss Fresh and more deliver fresh fruits and vegetables right to customer's doors inside their weekly and monthly healthy meal kit delivery boxes. One of the best parts? Most of the produce comes from small-scale, local growers.
Healthy meal kit delivery services are great for time-crunched people who lack the time to research recipes and track down ingredients at the grocery store, but who still want to put nutritious meals on the table for themselves and their families. The services also benefit people with mobility issues and those who want to start eating healthier but need help getting started. And in some consumers' opinions, turning to fixed-price meal kit boxes are a financially-savvy move amid rising food costs.
A common trend among meal kit companies is partnering with small growers rather than large wholesalers, a model driven by rising consumer demand for fresh and locally-grown food as well as swelling import costs. Growers are either scouted or reach out to local companies via their e-mail or social media.
Participating growers enjoy having another outlet through which to sell, and one that can broaden their geographical reach while still preserving and promoting their brand (subscription boxes usually come with an insert highlighting each of the participating businesses and showcase them on their website). Subscription companies report that customers often e-mail asking where they can buy more of a certain brand's product, indicating that subscription boxes can help create repeat custom for growers among their local subscriber base. Just as retailers participating in other subscription boxes offer online discount codes to subscribers, growers may encourage these new local customer relationships by offering discount codes or freebies at their store, U-Pick, or farmer's market stall.
Even cities like Guelph, Ontario have now started organizing fresh produce subscription services as a way to support local farmers and encourage healthy eating among the populace. It appears that meal kit services constitute a compelling new business opportunity for small growers, and one that doesn't seem to be losing steam any time soon.
Croptracker can help growers manage transactions and pack and ship against orders, including those from subscription box services. To find out more, or to learn about any other Croptracker feature, e-mail us at support@croptracker.com or Live Chat with us by clicking the green speech bubble 
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