Publix Super Markets has announced that it is hopping on the meal assembly business bandwagon with two pilot stores operating as Publix Apron's Make-Ahead Meals stores.
The two locations in Jacksonville and Lithia, Fla. will allow consumers to register online to take part in meal assembly sessions. When consumers come to the locations, they will find ready-to-cook ingredients waiting for them to assemble. Consumers then put the ingredients in a package ready for freezing. For consumers that are too busy, Publix will also take orders and do the assembly itself for a later pickup.
The new meal assembly offering will build on consumers' awareness of the Publix Apron's program, which includes providing consumers with recipes and cooking classes at locations in Florida and Georgia.
Of the two new meal assembly locations, one is located in a building that houses a cooking school while the other is in a Publix store. According to a Publix press release, the company intends to operate a stand-alone Make-Ahead Meals unit at this same location.
Maria Brous, Publix director of media and community relations, speaking about the Make-Ahead Meals pilot and the opening of two Publix Greenwise Markets, said, "We are always looking for ways to offer a variety of products in convenient locations. These programs will allow us to provide our customers with more value and convenience."
Discussion Questions: Is the demand there to support all the meal assembly businesses sprouting up in markets across the country? Does Publix have an advantage moving into the meal assembly business versus competitors without a grocery store background?