CINCINNATI — Kroger and Home Chef announced on Oct. 10 that it would rotate in-store meal kits at a variety of select Kroger stores.

The two companies plan to test out a new product called Home Chef Express, a quick-cook meal kit that is ready to eat in about 15 minutes.

"We are excited to introduce Home Chef's new retail meal kits to our store customers," said Robert Clark, Kroger's senior vice president of merchandising. "Offering a rotating menu of recipes is one more way we are providing our customers with innovative culinary experiences and choices. The Home Chef meal kits will redefine the way customers shop for, prep, and cook their meals."

The Home Chef meal kits will be available at Kroger stores in Kentucky, Michigan and Ohio. They will also be at Mariano’s grocery stores in Illinois. Wisconsin will have the meal kits available at select Pick 'n Save and Metro Market stores. Each meal service starts at $8.50 and serves two people.

"We've built a strong business helping people plan their meals in advance. We also know there are customers who want the convenience of a Home Chef meal, without having to plan ahead," said Pat Vihtelic, Home Chef's founder and CEO. "We're excited to take this first step in revolutionizing mealtime by bringing Home Chef's signature variety and great-tasting meals directly to Kroger customers. We are also looking forward to introducing our new line of Home Chef Express meal kits that address a major customer need – faster meals."

Kroger acquired Chicago-based Home Chef earlier this year in a transaction valued at $200 million. Founded in 2013, Home Chef delivers more than 3 million meals to US consumers each month. The company employs approximately 1,000 and operates three distribution centers in Chicago, Atlanta and San Bernardino, California. Home Chef said it experienced 150 percent growth and generated $250 million in revenue in 2017.