FoodKick expands service to Manhattan

FoodKick, the offshoot of e-commerce grocer FreshDirect offering same-day delivery of a curated selection of prepared meals and essentials, expanded service to Manhattan on Tuesday, saying the launch would be supported through a content-driven partnership with Coca-Cola.

Queens, N.Y.-based FreshDirect described FoodKick as a strategic addition to FreshDirect’s residential and office businesses, providing "on-demand" deliveries in addition to scheduled grocery deliveries available through FreshDirect. The app-based FoodKick offering allows customers to shop from a dynamic editorial feed that changes multiple times per day, with hand-picked offerings that include ripe seasonal produce, meal hacks, local favorites, and drinks delivered cold. Pantry staples, home essentials, prepared meals, fresh meat and seafood, specialty items, and more are also available, the company said.

FoodKick charges $3.99 per delivery, with a $5.99 charge for orders delivered in an hour. It is partnering with courier services Breakaway and SprintShip to provide delivery. Food travels in temperature controlled totes.

FoodKick launched earlier this year in parts of Brooklyn and Queens. Last month, FreshDirect announced it had secured $189 million in new financing to support growth including the expansion of FoodKick.

“We’ve seen an incredible response to FoodKick since launching earlier this year, with demand exceeding our expectations,” Jason Ackerman, FreshDirect’s co-founder and CEO, said in a statement. “Our new business is designed to provide urban dwellers who are living spontaneous lives a new option for getting great food for a night in, a pop-up gathering, or last minute needs within the hour. With the expansion of FoodKick into Manhattan, it’s within our sights to be the biggest food provider for New York.”

At launch, FoodKick Manhattan will feature content-driven programming with brand partner Coca-Cola in a series of activations highlighting “drinks served cold” messaging, tailored to the on-demand customer. Additionally, a variety of local and exclusive products from partners such as Bien Cuit Bakery, Baked by Melissa, RISE Coffee and Doughnut Plant will be available.

Operations in Manhattan will be based at FoodKick’s new Midtown West location with Brooklyn and Queens operations based in the company’s Williamsburg location.