SWOT Analysis February 12, 2020

I have been using Sun Basket for several years now.  They are a certified organic handler meal delivery company.  Sun Basket provides organic produce, hormone & antibiotic free meats, and clean ingredients in their boxes to allow their customers to cook a variety of flavorful meals.  Sun Basket’s intent is to provide full flavor, sustainable, and quality ingredients to create a variety of meals for their customers. 

For innovation to be successful, it must be married to a company’s strategy.  Successful innovation can provide a unique direction for the company that will generate specific short-term and long-term value targets (DeSai, n.d.).  In our textbook, 101 Design Methods, they use the example of Nike in referring to innovation. Nike didn’t just focus on creating a better shoe, they created a better athletic experience.  Kumar said, “Beyond innovations in materials, aesthetics, and performance, the company has developed innovations that extend the runner’s experience” (Kumar, 2013).  Sun Basket follows this same method.  They not only aimed to provide better ingredients and offerings to their customers, but to provide a new and improved in-kitchen experience. 

STRENGTHS:

• Sustainable products & recyclable packaging
• Organic produce
• Hormone and antibiotic free meats
• Consistency
• On-time deliveries
• Ability to skip weeks or pause account anytime
• Pre-measured ingredients cut down on food waste
• Ability to order just two meals per week or more based on family size
• Variety of recipes to choose from
• Option to purchase more than just dinners: breakfast, lunch, & snack items

WEAKNESSES:

• Heavy/excess packaging can be tough to recycle (Tapp, 2018)
• Price for one individual can be a lot; quantity too much
• Limits an individual’s creativity in the kitchen (Tapp, 2018)
• The flavors & tastes are somewhat exotic, may not appeal to everyone’s taste buds

OPPORTUNITIES:

• Sun Basket recently began created pre-prepped meals and oven-ready meals.  These were two huge opportunities that they seized.
• Opportunity to offer reorders of favorite meals more frequently
• Ability to order extras for guests

THREATS:

• Many other meal delivery services gaining popularity
• Ready-made meal delivery gaining popularity
• Kitchen appliances such as the instant pot or crock pot making meal prep quick and easy for families and eliminating the need for meal delivery services
• The consumer’s time.  Don’t always have time to cook they may seek other options

References:

DeSai, J. (n.d.). Innovation Engine: Driving Execution for Breakthrough Results. Retrieved from https://www.oreilly.com/library/view/innovation-engine-driving/9781118416884/OEBPS/9781118416884_epub_c01.htm

Kumar, V. 101 Design Methods: A Structured Approach for Driving Innovation in Your Organization. [Vault eBooks]. Retrieved from https://www.vaultebooks.com/#/books/9781118392195/

Tapp, F. (2018, September 17). Is The Convenience Of Meal Prep Kits Actually Worth The True Cost? Retrieved from https://www.huffpost.com/entry/food-delivery-service-pros-cons_n_5b992d94e4b0cf7b00459d2c