A new meal kit subscription service backed by top Australian chefs will expand into NSW and the ACT and take on foreign owned heavyweights like Hello Fresh and Marley Spoon in a move that will disrupt the $500 million industry that distributes millions of meal kits per week.
Called Make-Out Meals, the company’s rapid growth has been spurred on by the #supportlocal movement and customer dissatisfaction with competitor’s bland tasting meals and less-than-fresh ingredients. On top of this, Make-Out Meals will become the first meal kit company in Australia to use completely sustainable packaging by the end of 2022.
Make-Out Meals thrives in the eye of the storm
“Like so many people who endured Covid lockdowns, I really missed restaurant quality food – and services like Uber-Eats simply didn’t cut it,” said Make-Out Meals founder, Billy Green.
“All of our recipes are created by Australia’s top chefs at leading restaurants. They’ve shared with us takes on their signature dishes that clients can easily recreate at home. The chef’s connections with leading providores ensure only the freshest ingredients are used.”
“And all of this is delivered straight to your door.”
“We also use recyclable or biodegradable packaging wherever possible, and with your help, we’re aiming to be the first meal kit provider to use completely sustainable packaging by the end of this year. And we do this for just a couple of dollars more than our competitors.”
“Before launching Make-Out Meals in September 2020, I undertook research with the leading meal kit providers and was horrified – the vegetables were often limp, and the meals were bland. When one of my boxes was lost, I couldn’t even get in touch with customer service.”
“And don’t even get me started on the sea of plastic used. My initial research was proven correct, because 80% of our now loyal customers were ex customers of theirs with similar experiences. That’s why we’ve flipped the coin and are offering the complete opposite.”
“Top chefs know flavour best, that’s why we’re working with the best. They also have the best connections with the freshest produce, so we’ve locked down these providores.”
Make-Out Meals in strategic partnerships
Make-Out Meals works with 20 top restaurants and updates its meals to keep clients coming back. These include Entrecote, Mamasita, DOC, Oasis Bakery, Fancy Hank’s and more!
“Make-Out Meals is a great initiative of the global pandemic bringing restaurant dishes into people’s homes” said Jason Jones from Melbourne Restaurant Entrecôte.
“The platform has introduced our restaurant to a whole new client base in Victoria, and now we’re excited to showcase our restaurant to future clients who live in NSW and the ACT.”
“Throughout the first lockdown, we created step by step guides so people could recreate our most loved dishes. These recipes feature our famous Secret Herb Butter Sauce. We’ve even shared other signature sauces with Make-Out Meals like our spiced citrus butter.”
It’s Sydney’s turn, with Fei Jai cool Cantonese eatery in Potts Point, one of the first to join Make-Out Meals. “It has been tough for restaurants; the lockdown caused by Omicron has caused a wave of issues so we welcome any support,” said Peter Lew from Fei Jai.
“Like all other participating restaurants, our meals are ready in under 30 minutes, and include ingredients and sauces. It’s never been more vital than now to support local businesses.”
Make-Out Meals turns to crowdfunding
Since Make-Out Meals’ launch in September 2020, the company’s year-on-year revenues have tripled and are expected to grow substantially this financial year. Over 60% of revenue is from recurring customers, which explains the 100+ 5-star reviews.
With Melbourne and Sydney markets up and running, the company announced this week it will raise up to $1 million via Birchal equity crowdfunding. “With such passionate customers, we want them to share in our success as we become one of the leading meal kit providers in Australia, and change the way Australians eat for good,” said Billy Green.
The money raised will going towards its expansion into Queensland as well as continuing to scale the company to a level not yet achieved by any Australian-owned product in the sector.
