Meat processor Thomas Foods International has expanded into the burgeoning meal solutions category in collaboration with two AFL players in new venture called Thomas Farms Kitchen.
Thomas Farms is a meal kit delivery service sold direct to the consumer which combines chef-created seasonal recipes with locally-sourced, fresh produce.
It joins companies like Marley Spoon, which started in Germany a few years ago, UK entrant HelloFresh, New Zealand's My Food Bag and Simplot's Dish'd in the online meal solutions space.
Its co-founders are former AFL players and entrepreneurs, Bruce Lennon and Simon Dennis, and Thomas Foods CEO, Darren Thomas.
Lennon and Dennis presented the concept for Thomas Farms Kitchen, and Thomas said he could “see the opportunity to evolve the direct-to-consumer side of TFI with a sustainable service that draws upon the expertise across TFI’s processing, packaging and distribution network”.
According to the co-founders, the venture uses the extensive farm connections and distribution network of Thomas Foods to ensure that produce is locally-sourced, portioned and packaged at state-based points closest to the consumer.
They also say less food miles between paddock and plate means all ingredients arrive in the freshest condition possible and the venture is environmentally sustainable.
With 11 original recipes each week, the company says Thomas Farms Kitchen offers a greater variety of dishes than any other meal box service.
Thomas Farms Kitchen is rolling out in South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales before expanding to Queensland, Western Australia “and beyond”.
