Home Cooks Trapped by Coronavirus Turn to Meal Kits Like Blue Apron | Eater

"A meal-kit company that saw a sudden surge in demand during the pandemic and has been promoted as a way to avoid grocery runs while learning to cook; new customers reported enjoying the meals and some converted sporadic past users into regulars, with kits now making up a meaningful share of weekly meals for some. The company responded to increased interest with expanded social engagement — instructional videos, a Q&A with head chef John Adler, virtual pizza-party primers and digital wine tastings — and communicated transparently about occasional small substitutions while ramping hiring to meet demand. Pricing starts at about $9.99 per portion with a minimum order, premium meals add roughly $10 per portion for higher-end options such as chicken wrapped in prosciutto with sage. Despite enthusiasm and a dramatic short-term stock bump, cost remains a barrier for some customers and long-term retention after the crisis is uncertain." - Nick Mancall-Bitel