My Chef

MyChef is a South Korean company specializing in meal kits, which are packages containing pre-portioned and prepped ingredients along with recipes for home cooking. Founded in 2011 as a sole proprietorship by Imp Jong-eok, the company was legally incorporated in 2016. Imp, who has a background in environmental engineering and policy research, was inspired by the DIY furniture trend and applied the concept to cooking, aiming to make it easier for people who lacked confidence in the kitchen. He identified that the key to taste was the right ratio of ingredients and sauces, which formed the basis of the business.

The company provides a wide range of meal kits, including fresh, frozen, and room-temperature options, with over 400 recipes. MyChef's business model involves selling these kits directly through its own website and through over 60 other distribution channels, including major online marketplaces like Coupang and Gmarket, grocery stores such as E-mart, and department stores. The company generates revenue through the sale of these meal kits to individual consumers. MyChef has also engaged in B2B collaborations, partnering with major companies like Samsung, Ottogi, and Nongshim to develop exclusive products and co-brand.

Significant milestones for MyChef include receiving Series A funding in 2019 and subsequent investment rounds to expand operations. The company expanded its production facilities, moving from a small factory to larger, more advanced plants to meet growing demand. In April 2022, MyChef was acquired by Korean Air Catering & Duty Free Services and now operates as a subsidiary.

Keywords: meal kit, food delivery, ready-to-cook, South Korean food market, home meal replacement, recipe box, e-commerce, food technology, convenience food, Korean cuisine, subscription box, direct-to-consumer, food manufacturing, online food retail, grocery delivery, prepared meals, food industry, cooking kits, fresh food delivery, gourmet meal kits