Dole expands organic salad line
Six organic salad mixes and two organic salad kits in resealable clamshells from Dole Fresh Vegetables are expected to reach retailers nationwide by early November.
The kits are Dole’s first organic salad kits, and the company plans to introduce more early next year, according to a news release.
The expansion brings the total of Dole organic salad mixes and kits to 11, including three in a 16-ounce size for larger families and special occasions. Shipments began Oct. 5. Suggested retail prices are $3.89 to $5.99 for the mixes and $5.39 for the kits.
The new mixes, which offer organic versions of Dole’s baby lettuce products, and kits include:
- Baby Spinach Salad Mix, 5 and 16 ounces;
- Spring Mix, 5 and 16 ounces;
- 50/50 Salad Mix, 5 and 16 ounces;
- Super Spinach Salad Mix, 5ounces, combines baby kale, baby chard and mizuna with baby spinach;
- Kale Salad Mix, 5 ounces, combines organic baby kale, baby spinach, red and green chard;
- Baby Spinach and Arugula Salad Mix, 5 ounces, combines baby spinach and arugula;
- Apple Dijon Salad Kit, 8.25 ounces, combines organic spring mix, dried cranberries, walnut pieces, and shredded cheddar cheese with apple dijon vinaigrette dressing; and
- Caesar Salad Kit, 8.25 ounces, with organic baby romaine, parmesan pita chips, shaved parmesan cheese and Caesar dressing.
“Our expanded Dole Organic Salad line offers organic enthusiasts what traditional salad consumers have enjoyed for years: restaurant-quality, organic salads that taste great and complement an organic lifestyle,” CarrieAnn Arias, vice president of marketing for Monterey, Calif.-based Dole Fresh Vegetables said in the release. “The six nutrient-dense organic baby lettuce mixes deliver a wide variety of flavor experiences and preparation options. Thanks to our two new organic salad kits, shoppers can now enjoy a fresh, flavorful, organic salad, including baby lettuces, signature dressings and toppings, in a preferred clamshell package for the first time.”
According to the Organic Consumers Association, close to two-thirds of Americans buy organic and four in 10 say organic will be a bigger part of their diet during the next year. U.S. organic sales posted a record $43.3 billion in 2015, up 11% over 2014 according to the Organic Trade Association.
“There’s never been a better time for Dole’s expanded organic salad line,” Arias said. “We know that organic shoppers spend the most per shopping occasion and close to half will pay a premium for an organic salad. A full third of shoppers say that additional organic salad products will influence them to purchase more salads and, having more salad options helps consumers to live a healthier and happier life.”
The two initial salad kit flavors were selected on the basis of consumer research. The Caesar kit is the first to feature baby romaine instead of cut romaine, according to Dole.
“Both salad users and retailers see clamshells as a more convenient and preferred packaging format for organic salad mixes and kits,” Arias said in the release.
