Amazon is stepping up its assault on the grocery market by developing ready meals that don’t need to be refrigerated and last for up to a year.
The US giant has enlisted the help of start-up technology company 915 Labs to develop long-life ready meals, which could form a point of difference for its Amazon Fresh grocery delivery service.
According to a Reuters report on Friday, meals such as beef stew and a vegetable frittata could be ready for sale as soon as next year.
The ready meals will use a technique first designed for the US military - microwave assisted thermal sterilisation - which involves placing sealed packages of food in pressurised water and heating them in a microwave.
According to 915 Labs, the method ensures the food keeps its natural flavour, texture and nutrients for up to a year.
An independent review of the technology in 2014 said it showed “promising results” and could work “for a numberless type of products”.
Amazon has declined to comment on the reports.
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