To be clear, I think it’s a fine idea for Blue Apron and Beyond Meat to join forces. And Blue Apron should always be looking for ways to get more variety on its menus if it wants to keep subscribers from getting bored with its offerings. But let’s be honest: A burger isn’t going to solve Blue Apron’s existential problems. And that’s important, because whatever is on the menu, the path for Blue Apron to revenue growth isn’t getting any easier. In other words, Blue Apron teaming with Beyond Meat shouldn’t be thought of as analogous to, for example, Burger King adding the plant-based Impossible Whopper to its menu nationwide, because — unlike Blue Apron — Burger King isn’t contending with massive structural challenges to its business model.

Source: Los Angeles Times July 16, 2019 23:30 UTC