Mark Bittman Leaves Role At Vegan Delivery Startup Purple Carrot After Less Than A Year

Just six months after officially joining the team as its chief innovation officer, veteran food journalist Mark Bittman has announced his departure from Purple Carrot, a vegan meal delivery service similar to those offered by HelloFresh and Blue Apron.

Bittman, who left his longtime position as a food columnist for The New York Times to take the role, was ushered into Purple Carrot last fall along with a website revamp, expanded delivery to the West Coast, and "a huge upgrade in recipes," courtesy of Bittman, he told The Daily Meal in November.

"When I met with Andy [Levitt, Purple Carrot founder], we just got along really well, and I decided to join informally and work behind the scenes," Bittman said. "Four to six weeks later, I was heavily involved and just found it irresistible."

Speaking with Mother Jones, Bittman did not share the reason for his exit, but indicated that he would retain an ownership stake in the company. "I wish the company nothing but the best. I did everything I could do to help [the recent West Coast expansion], and now I'm ready for something new."

Meanwhile, The New York Times recently announced a partnership with Chef'd, another meal kit delivery service. It's unclear what Bittman will do next, but perhaps the Food Matters author will return to a culinary role at the Times.