Blue Apron

Blue Apron is a United States-based company that provides a subscription service for meal kits. The company was founded in 2012 by Matt Salzberg, Ilia Papas, and Matt Wadiak. Blue Apron's primary service involves sending customers pre-portioned meal ingredients and recipes that they can cook at home.

History

Blue Apron was founded in August 2012 by Matt Salzberg, Ilia Papas, and Matt Wadiak. The company's name is a reference to the blue aprons often worn by apprentice chefs in professional kitchens. The founders aimed to provide a service that would help people cook more at home by eliminating the need for grocery shopping and meal planning.

Services

Blue Apron's primary service is a meal kit subscription. Each week, customers receive a box containing pre-portioned ingredients and detailed recipes for several meals. The company offers a variety of meal plans to cater to different dietary preferences and needs, including vegetarian, pescatarian, and health-conscious options.

In addition to its meal kit service, Blue Apron also offers a wine subscription service, which pairs wines with its meals. The company also sells kitchen tools and cookware through its online market.

Business Model

Blue Apron operates on a subscription business model. Customers sign up for a weekly subscription, which can be paused or cancelled at any time. The company sources its ingredients directly from farms, which it says allows it to provide fresher ingredients and reduce food waste.

Reception and Impact

Blue Apron has been credited with popularizing the meal kit subscription model in the United States. However, the company has also faced criticism for its environmental impact, particularly in relation to its packaging.

See Also

• Meal kit
• Subscription business model
• HelloFresh
• Plated (meal kits)