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When consumers order meal kits, the packaging often bears a well-known brand name. Behind the scenes, however, a separate food distributor may handle fulfillment. FreshRealm, which has been linked to major meal kit companies including Blue Apron, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy this week, putting Blue Apron’s supply chain arrangements in limbo.
In a press release, FreshRealm said it is seeking Chapter 11 protection due to “a significant ingredient supply disruption in 2025” that “materially impacted the company’s operations and financial performance.”
FreshRealm previously faced food-safety scrutiny. In June last year, the company recalled ready-to-eat chicken alfredo meals sold at Walmart and Kroger and under the meal kit brand Home Chef, citing listeria concerns. The recall later expanded across multiple brands after Snow Pac announced a separate recall involving spinach contaminated with listeria.
According to the article, the contaminated spinach was potentially used in additional ready-to-eat meals prepared by FreshRealm, including some sold under Blue Apron, Marley Spoon and HelloFresh names.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that at least 28 people were sickened and seven died due to the listeria outbreak.
In the near term, Blue Apron’s offerings are expected to look largely the same while FreshRealm awaits court approval of its bankruptcy filing.
FreshRealm said the two companies have reached an agreement under which FreshRealm will finish its contractual obligations before Blue Apron exits the agreement and transitions to a new fulfillment provider.
The article reports that Blue Apron is expected to transition to working with Misfits Market as its food distributor.
Misfits Market said it will provide “end-to-end fulfillment services for Blue Apron meal kits,” pending bankruptcy court approval. It added that its priority is “ensuring Blue Apron customers continue to receive high-quality meal kits as we build out fulfillment capabilities on Misfits Market’s own platform and infrastructure.”
A spokesperson for Misfits Market confirmed that both companies will remain separate brands, with Misfits Market operating “behind the scenes as a fulfillment partner.”
Misfits Market is a discount grocery delivery service that focuses on providing “imperfect” produce that typically does not make it to store shelves. The article notes that it is unclear whether produce included in future Blue Apron meal kits will reflect Misfits Market’s standards.
Blue Apron said it is transitioning to a new fulfillment provider and is working to ensure continuity for customers. A spokesperson stated: “We’re sorry to hear the news regarding FreshRealm and wish their team the best. Blue Apron prides itself on making home cooking easier with chef-crafted recipes and high-quality ingredients that customers feel proud to put on their tables. We are transitioning to a new fulfillment provider and are working closely to ensure a seamless, reliable experience for customers.”
FreshRealm has also supported other meal kit and ready-to-eat offerings. The article states that FreshRealm acquired Marley Spoon’s U.S. fulfillment operations in 2024.
It also reports that FreshRealm was a third-party producer for HelloFresh’s ready-to-eat meals.
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