Smithfield Foods became a major investor in El Segundo, California-based meal kit company Chef’d, CNBC reported.

 

Documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission show Chef’d secured $35,211,000 and Chef’d CEO Kyle Ransford said Smithfield Foods contributed $25 million, while online grocer Fresh Direct contributed $200,000.

“Chef’d is not commenting beyond what has already been stated at this time,” a spokesperson said in an email to MEAT+POULTRY.

Campbell Soup contributed $10 million in a deal announced in May. Under the terms of that three-year agreement, Chef’d will help with infrastructure and distribution of meal kits through the Campbell’s Kitchen site. Campbell Soup will gain access to Chef’d’s insights on e-commerce business models, data analytics and insights on shopper behaviors. The two companies also will test capabilities around product innovation and fulfillment.

Denise Morrison, president and CEO of Campbell Soup

“E-commerce will transform the food industry in similar ways to how it transformed entertainment and apparel,” Denise Morrison, president and CEO of Campbell Soup said at the time. “It is a game changer for consumers, food makers and retailers alike. The movement is irrevocable and irreversible. In the future, shopping for and preparing meals will be flexible, fully automated and even anticipatory. Chef’d will help Campbell connect with our consumers where they are today and, more importantly, where they’re headed.”

Chef’d is a meal kit delivery service, but the company doesn’t require a subscription. Customers can re-order their favorite meal kits from a selection of more than 300 meals. Chef’d also provides vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.