WEST DES MOINES, IA - The ready-to-go food sector is ramping up, and Hy-Vee is upping its stakes in the game with plans to invest more than $86 million.

Tossing its hat in a ring of players like Amazon, who has just filed to trademark its own meal kits, and newly-public Blue Apron, the Des Moines Register reports that the Iowa-based retailer is expanding an Ankeny warehouse and building a $64 million facility, all focusing on providing prepared foods for consumers.

This is a considerable move for the company; while it does offer meal kits at some locations, it is not an initiative it has adapted throughout all of its stores. But this step, the report notes, is a clear one towards looking for a bigger stake in the meal kit industry, a market value of about $2.2 billion.

The retailer did not respond to the Des Moines Register at the time of the report for comment.

As we previously reported, the retailer expanded its Chef in a Box program to new markets last May, around the same time that Publix too made moves to strengthen its meal kit presense. Kroger, too, has worked to over a ready-to-eat option, and Hello Fresh, much like Blue Apron, offers ready-to-prep fresh ingredients delivered to consumers to be become the chefs.

As this and other sectors opening new doors to produce heat up, AndNowUKnow will keep you up on the latest.

Hy-Vee