Ready meals business Youfoodz has begun selling groceries essentials for home delivery, alongside Seasonal Fruit & Veg Boxes, amid high demand for online groceries during COVID-19.
Youfoodz’s Grocery Essentials, includes a selection of grocery items, from proteins such as chicken breast, mince, Porterhouse steak, and Tasmanian salmon, all of which are under $12, to eggs, milk, and vegetables.
The convenience meals business said the range is “premium yet affordable” and will allow customers “to purchase all their fresh food from one place”.
“In this time of unprecedented uncertainty and disruption many Aussies are doing it tough and as a business Youfoodz have a duty of care to play a small part in supporting the local community, customers, partners, and suppliers to ensure they come out the other end ok – if not better,” the convenience meals business said in a statement.
“That’s why Youfoodz have boosted production capability, are continuing to develop and introduce new products, as well as taking an active role in supporting great initiatives.”
The decision to pivot into online groceries is likely in response to changing shopping behavior prompted by COVID-19.
Last week at Coles Q3 results, CEO Steven Cain noted that consumers are doing more home cooking and baking during the lockdown, and convenience meals are taking a hit.
Cain said that Coles, which is a stockist of Youfoodz ready meals, has seen people shopping fewer times per week, and buying more when they shop.
“With fewer trips, you get fewer impulse items being purchased,” Cain said.
“Home cooking is a more economic way to feed the family than buying convenience meals or impulse items.”
Cain noted that consumers are eating more fresh food, with veg sales at the highest penetration they have ever been.
Youfoodz is also taking advantage of increased demand for fresh produce, with a selection of Fruit & Veg boxes available, ranging in price from $44.95 to $69.95.
Chief executive Lance Giles said the concept for Fruit & Veg Boxes came about when a local supplier felt the hit when restaurants and cafes slowed trading due to Coronavirus.
“I received a call from Michael, one of our key suppliers, and the director of V One. He explained how his business had been significantly affected by COVID-19 and that he was days away from having to lay off the majority of his workforce,” Giles said.
“After helping each other grow our businesses for many years, I felt there must be a way to help. That’s how fruit and veg boxes was created.”
Youfoodz grocery items and fresh produce are sold online alongside the ready meals range, as individual items are as part of The Ultimate Grocery Box, but are packed separately for delivery. Discounts are offered if ready meals are bought alongside the grocery box.