Maria Sharapova Teams up with Tempo to Bring Easy, Balanced Meals to Busy Pros

Rhea-AI Summary

Tempo (NYSE: KR) announced a partnership with global tennis icon Maria Sharapova to promote Tempo's chef-crafted, registered dietitian-approved ready-to-heat meals. Tempo meals are single-serve, ready in about 2 minutes, often under 500 calories, with 30+ grams of protein and GLP-1 balanced nutrition. Customers can choose 24+ menu options and order four or more meals per week. A “Not A Chef” Sweepstakes runs Dec 29, 12 PM CST–Jan 30, 11:59 PM CT offering a chance to win free meals for a year.

Key Figures

Meal calories under 500 calories Many Tempo meals per serving

Protein content 30+ grams of protein Many Tempo meals per serving

Carbohydrates fewer than 35 grams of carbs Many Tempo meals per serving

Fiber daily value 20%+ of daily value of fiber Many Tempo meals per serving

Cook time 2 minutes Tempo single-serve meals ready time

Minimum weekly order 4 meals per week Customer ordering requirement

Menu variety 24+ meal options Certified dietitian-approved menu choices

Sweepstakes window Dec 29, 12 PM CST – Jan 30, 11:59 PM CT "Not A Chef" Sweepstakes entry period

Market Reality Check

$62.96 Last Close

Volume Volume 2,733,699 vs 20-day average 6,928,035, indicating relatively muted trading ahead of this partnership news. low

Technical Shares at $63.25 are trading below the 200-day MA of $67.95 before this announcement.

Peers on Argus 1 Down

Peers show mixed moves: ACI up 1.16%, TGT up 3.08%, while WMK fell 1.21% and SFM was roughly flat. With only one momentum peer flagged and no consistent sector direction, this Tempo–Sharapova partnership appears stock-specific for KR rather than part of a broad grocery move.

Historical Context

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Dec 23	Share repurchase	Positive	+0.0%	Board approved additional <b>$2.0B</b> share repurchase authorization, extending capital returns.
Dec 10	Promotional campaign	Positive	-2.6%	Murray’s Cheese holiday offerings and awards highlighted premium seasonal merchandising.
Dec 04	Real estate project	Positive	-4.6%	Announcement of a Kroger-anchored shopping center in a large mixed-use development.
Dec 04	Earnings update	Negative	-4.6%	Q3 results with large impairment-driven GAAP loss despite positive adjusted metrics and guidance.
Dec 01	Retail promotion	Positive	+0.4%	Launch of 12 Merry Days digital coupon event to drive holiday traffic and engagement.

Pattern Detected

Recent news flow shows modest reactions to promotional and partnership campaigns, while earnings and strategic announcements have triggered larger downside moves.

Recent Company History

Over the last month, Kroger’s headlines covered capital returns, promotions, real estate development and earnings. A $2.0B incremental buyback authorization on Dec 23 saw little price change, while Q3 results on Dec 4 and related impairment disclosures coincided with declines of about -4.6%. Marketing- and promo-focused news such as Murray’s Cheese and the 12 Merry Days event produced smaller moves. Today’s Home Chef–Tempo partnership with Maria Sharapova fits into that promotional/brand-building stream.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement extends Kroger’s Home Chef ecosystem through Tempo by associating ready-to-heat, dietitian-approved meals with Maria Sharapova and a GLP-1–aligned wellness message. With past collaborations averaging only about 0.56% next-day moves, these partnerships have historically been modest stock catalysts. Investors may watch how this campaign scales subscriptions, supports Kroger’s broader meal delivery strategy, and interacts with recent capital allocation and impairment developments.

Key Terms

glp-1 balanced medical

"These nutrient-dense meals are also formulated to be GLP-1 balanced, designed to support..."

A “GLP‑1 balanced” product is a drug or formulation that activates the glucagon‑like peptide‑1 (GLP‑1) pathway in a way designed to deliver effective blood‑sugar control and weight effects while minimizing side effects like nausea. Think of it as tuning a car for both speed and comfort rather than pure horsepower. For investors, that balance can mean broader patient use, better adherence, stronger regulatory positioning and potentially larger, more sustainable sales.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

In her latest power move, Maria proves how flavorful, ready-in-minutes meals can fit every lifestyle – not just legendary athletes

CHICAGO, Dec. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- There's a new champion on Team Tempo. The chef-crafted, certified dietitian-approved meal delivery service with zero prep time has teamed up with global tennis icon Maria Sharapova to prove that balanced, nourishing meals can fit every lifestyle, not just an athlete's.

"Eating well-rounded, enjoyable, and energizing meals has always been a priority for me, but I don't always have the time to prepare them from scratch," said Sharapova. "Tempo offers the solution with quick, nutritious, fully prepared meals that are crafted by chefs, approved by certified dietitians, and filled with enough protein to power my day — whether I'm on the tennis court, in the boardroom, or on the playground with my son."

Tempo is made for go-getters who don't have time for meal prep or grocery runs but want real, fresh meals that keep them performing at their best. As an athlete, entrepreneur, and mom, Maria needs energizing, on-the-go meals that can keep up with her fast-paced life (see for yourself here). Tempo's fully prepared, single-serve meals cook in just two minutes, feature premium ingredients, and are approved by registered dietitians for balanced nutrition.

"It's not every day you get to team up with someone as accomplished and iconic as Maria Sharapova," said Jessica Esparza, Tempo brand manager. "She is the definition of excellence and balance, which mirror the values we bring to every meal we make at Tempo. We're honored to fuel her busy lifestyle and empower everyone to take charge of their wellness routine, one meal at a time."

Tempo meals are delivered fresh, require minimal prep, and include premium yet familiar, feel-good flavors that are ready in about two minutes. Many meals are under 500 calories, deliver 30+ grams of protein, contain fewer than 35 grams of carbs, and provide 20%+ of the daily value of fiber, in addition to supporting gut health. 

These nutrient-dense meals are also formulated to be GLP-1 balanced, designed to support modern wellness lifestyles by delivering steady energy, satisfaction, and the nutrition needed to stay focused, active, and strong. Customers can order four or more meals per week, and the certified dietitian-approved menu features 24+ meal options to choose from.

In honor of the partnership, Tempo and Maria are offering consumers the chance to win free meals for a year through the "Not A Chef" Sweepstakes — helping busy people everywhere stay consistent with their wellness goals. The sweepstakes invites fans to engage on Instagram for their chance to win. Entry opens December 29 at 12 PM CST and runs through January 30 at 11:59 PM (CT), giving consumers plenty of time to jump in and fuel their year with Tempo.

For more information on the Tempo × Maria Sharapova partnership, visit eat.tempomeals.com/Maria or follow @TempoMeals on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

About Tempo
Launched in 2023, Tempo is a ready-to-heat meal delivery service from the team at Home Chef that delivers delicious, single-serving meals right to your door. These balanced, registered dietitian-approved meals offer a simple solution to mindful meal prep and cook in just 2 minutes. Tempo and Home Chef are a part of The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) Family of Companies. Find out more at tempomeals.com.

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SOURCE Home Chef

FAQ

What did Tempo and Maria Sharapova announce on December 29, 2025 (KR)?

They announced a partnership promoting Tempo's chef-crafted, dietitian-approved ready-to-heat meals and a related sweepstakes.

How long do Tempo meals take to prepare and what nutrition do they offer?

Tempo meals cook in about 2 minutes, many are under 500 calories and provide 30+ grams of protein.

When does the Tempo × Maria Sharapova “Not A Chef” Sweepstakes run?

Entry opens Dec 29, 2025 at 12 PM CST and runs through Jan 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM CT.

How many meal options and minimum order frequency does Tempo offer?

The certified dietitian-approved menu features 24+ meal options and customers can order four or more meals per week.

Where can investors find the corporate connection between Tempo and Kroger (KR)?

Tempo and Home Chef are part of The Kroger Co. family of companies (NYSE: KR), as noted in the announcement.

How can consumers enter the Tempo × Maria Sharapova sweepstakes?

Fans can enter via Instagram as directed by Tempo for a chance to win free meals for a year.