UNITED STATES - Partnerships in this industry are its bread and butter, particularly if companies are trying to successfully play out the meal kit angle. Snap Kitchen, a Whole Foods partner, recently announced that it is launching free ground shipping across 38 states and debuting its chef-prepared meals in dozens of Whole Foods stores across Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Texas.

"We've been pleased with the overwhelmingly positive response to Snap Kitchen's offerings in our Texas stores and are excited to introduce its line of healthy, ready-to-eat meals and beverages to Whole Foods Market customers in other markets," said Jessica Johnson, Regional Vice President of the Southwest Region, Whole Foods Market.

Snap Kitchen debuted direct shipping in June and has quadrupled the number of U.S. households in just six months, a press release noted. Its meal delivery plans start at $69.99 for six menu items or 12 meals for $114.99 with free shipping. At Whole Foods Market, customers can choose from 25 meals and beverages.

Will we see more partnerships like this spring up? And which produce providers are getting in on the action? AndNowUKnow will continue to report.

Whole Foods Snap Kitchen