Salad Mix

The 2026 Salad Curiosity Census: Mapping the Next Wave of Produce Retail

Tue, 12 May 2026 18:36:41 GMT

Editor’s Note: This story is part of an ongoing column , The 30 Different Plants Per Week Challenge, Retail Edition.

As consumers increasingly view the salad bowl as a vehicle for functional nutrition and culinary exploration, the retail landscape is shifting to meet them.

New research from Taylor Farms provides a roadmap for this advancement. A 2026 Salad Curiosity Census used search data analysis to quantify consumer appetite for emerging trends across U.S. By mapping state-by-state interest in five distinct flavor and functional profiles, the study offers a granular look at how regional preferences are dictating the next generation of salad kits and produce merchandising.

The census identified Hawaii as the most adventurous state in the nation, with a curiosity score of 27.48, well ahead of Washington (22.54) and Oregon (21.91), which round out the top three.

Understanding the Study: Search as a Proxy for Demand

By analyzing thousands of monthly searches for viral ingredients and specific dietary archetypes, Taylor Farms identified a national Curiosity Score.

The data reveals a country moving decisively away from the basic iceberg-and-vinaigrette model. Instead, the Curiosity Census identified five key profiles reshaping the bowl:

Powerhouse protein — Bowls anchored around hard-boiled eggs, grilled steak, quinoa, lentils and other high-protein ingredients designed to hit a 20-gram-per-meal target. Virginia, Illinois and Hawaii show the strongest curiosity.
Swicy and swangy — A bolder evolution of the swicy (sweet and spicy) movement, layering in tangy notes from hot honey, lime, sriracha-miso and chili. Hawaii leads with more than 6,000 monthly searches, followed by Oregon and Washington.
Crunch core — A texture-first trend that elevates toasted nuts, seeds, crispy shallots, jicama and snap peas over the traditional crouton. Oregon takes the top spot with nearly 5,500 monthly searches, with Washington and Hawaii close behind.
Gut glory — Functional eating focused on probiotic and high-fiber additions like kimchi, sauerkraut, chickpeas and kefir-based dressings. East Coast states dominate this category, with Maryland and New Jersey flanking Nevada in the top three.
Newstalgia — Modernized versions of childhood classics, such as the Waldorf or wedge, paired with clean-label dressings and premium ingredients like artisanal blue cheese or heirloom tomatoes. Hawaii, Washington and Oregon again lead the search.

This image shows the top salad flavor in each state, according to Taylor Farms’ 2026 Salad Curiosity Census.

(Image courtesy of Taylor Farms)

Retail Implications: A Regional Approach to the Perimeter

For retailers, the key takeaway from the 2026 data is that one-size-fits-all assortment is becoming a liability. As consumers strive for 30 unique plants a week, they are looking for specific, culturally relevant variety that differs by geography:

1. Localization of the salad wall — The Pacific region, specifically Hawaii, Washington and Oregon, is the nation’s innovation engine. Hawaii’s top ranking (Curiosity Score: 27.48) is driven by an appetite for experimentation. For retailers in these zones, the “30 plants” goal is best served by stocking swangy kits and bold, globally inspired textures.
2. The functional East Coast — In states like Maryland and New Jersey, the “gut glory” trend suggests that the produce aisle should be cross-merchandised with the functional beverage and fermented food categories. Shoppers here aren’t just buying greens; they are buying microbiome support. Retailers can win by positioning high-fiber legumes and probiotic dressings adjacent to their core salad offerings.
3. Texture as a value add — Across the board, the rise of “crunch core” signals a shift in what defines premium. Consumers are trading traditional wheat-based toppings for nutrient-dense, plant-based alternatives. From a retail perspective, this offers an opportunity for higher-margin topper add-ons like toasted seeds, freeze-dried vegetables and spicy legumes.

Moving Beyond the Bowl

The Taylor Farms data underscores a broader market shift: The packaged salad market is projected to reach over $15 billion in 2026; this growth is fueled by consumers who no longer treat salads as a side dish but rather as a constructed meal that hits specific macro- and micro-nutrient targets.

By aligning inventory with these regional search trends, retailers can help their shoppers hit that “30 plant” weekly milestone while driving deeper loyalty in the most profitable area of the store: the fresh perimeter.

Your Next Read:

Fresh Express Taps Antoni Porowski of ‘Queer Eye’ to Elevate Salads to Center Stage

Mon, 04 May 2026 22:42:32 GMT

TORONTO — When it comes to salad, Antoni Porowski wants consumers to stop thinking solely about the side dish and start focusing on the main event. The “Queer Eye” star and bestselling author brought his culinary expertise to the Canadian Produce Marketing Association Convention and Trade Show as Fresh Express’ newest “Fresh Expressionist.” By partnering with the brand, Porowski aims to prove that a bag of greens is more than just a convenience; it’s the foundation for a restaurant-quality, craveable meal that fits perfectly into the fast-paced lives of modern home cooks.

The Packer sat down with Porowski last week to learn more about his brand ambassador role, his favorite way to prepare a Fresh Express salad, what he learned from “Queer Eye” about people’s relationship with meal prep and more.

“I think what initially got me excited about this partnership is the fact that two things can exist at the same time. You have people who want to feel empowered, but don’t necessarily have the time, creativity or the knowledge or skill set to execute something from start to finish,” Porowski says. “With Fresh Express, it’s like it’s all kind of been figured out for you.

“But then there’s the side of people who want to tweak it and add that little 5% that makes it their own, that makes it feel like something either from their childhood, or ingredients that their kids like, or they’re throwing in protein,” he adds.

Salad kits have effectively transformed the labor-intensive chore of chopping, washing and sourcing multiple ingredients, into healthy meal-making in just minutes. This convenience, freshness, versatility and variety of flavor profiles have made salad kits a multibillion-dollar business. Sales of salad kits reached $4.4 billion for the 52 weeks ending March 22, 2026, according to Circana OmniMarket Integrated Fresh, a Chicago-based market research firm, up 0.1% from the previous 52 weeks.

When asked about his pro tips for spicing up a Fresh Express salad kit, Porowski says adding grated egg to a Fresh Express Italian salad is a favorite, but the “possibilities are endless with how far you can go, and I think that’s what I like about it so much.”

“What I learned from ’Queer Eye‘ is … you have to meet people where they’re at, and if you go hyper-specific, you’re going to alienate people,” he says. “If you keep things nice and broad, it makes it a lot easier to bring people in. And there’s an inclusivity aspect there that I inherently just gravitate towards.”

On “Queer Eye” and as a chef and author, Porowski is expert at giving consumers the tips and tricks to make healthy, flavorful meals in a way that’s simple and approachable. He says he has found Fresh Express salad kits helpful in his own meal prep.

“I was raised a city boy, and as soon as I left the coop and was left to my own devices, it was options like Fresh Express that were realistic when I was a student, working three jobs, trying to save up and figure out my way in the world,” he says.

Post-“Queer Eye,” Porowski now has a life in New York City and a country home where he goes to slow down the pace. He sees salad kits playing a role in both venues.

Antoni Porowski says his favorite place to be is in the kitchen.

(Photo courtesy of Fresh Express)

“My happy place is in a kitchen, having a conversation with someone cooking,” he says. “I don’t get to do that all the time with work, but I want to feel good about the choices that I’m making, and I think with Fresh Express, I still get to be me and insert my personality and my viewpoint on food, which is exciting, and they’ve been letting me run with it.”

Porowski says it’s particularly meaningful when he gets to bring his personality and background to the table.

“Sometimes it’s ingredients. Sometimes it’s technique. Sometimes it’s presentation,” he says. “It’s all those things.”

When it comes to Porowski’s favorite way to doctor up a Fresh Express salad, it depends on how he’s feeling in the moment.

“It depends on whether it’s sunny or whether it’s cloudy, or my mood, but I kind of look at the elements, and then I just think about what I feel like doing,” he says. “If I’m feeling a little lazy, I’ll probably just take the croutons and crush them up so that it’s a nice little breadcrumb situation, put them on as is, or maybe I’ll hit them in a pan with a little bit of butter, a little bit of shallots and fresh herbs that I have that are going to be going bad soon, because I hate food waste. It drives me crazy.”

Porowski also says the addition of protein is always on the menu because he eats a very high-protein diet.

“And if I’m feeling ambitious, I can really switch it up and I can turn it into a wrap,” he says. “It’s really like the sky’s the limit. The irony is that it’s all been figured out for you, but you still have the freedom to either use it as is or add wherever you like.”

Why Porowski is the Perfect Fresh Expressionist

“For Fresh Expressionists, we are looking for people who actually connect with the audience, who can inspire because the goal is to help people eat salad more often, and salad is good for you,” says Fabian Pereira, vice president of marketing, innovation and international for Fresh Express. “Antoni loves salads. He also understands consumers. He understands their needs state.”

Pereira says Porowski also excels at making food in a simple way that’s simply delicious.

“All of us are looking for inspiration, because food should not be boring. Food should not be something you just chow down and move on,” he says. “You’ve got to enjoy those few moments that you take away from your day and spend time and enjoy. And I think what Antoni does is to bring a very unique talent in terms of inspiring people.”

A big part of the inspiration, says Pereira, is Porowski’s ability to elevate a simple salad preparation to a restaurant-caliber meal — a knack that has contributed to his scores of followers on social.

“He makes it so simple for you, but [also helps you in] making a moment that you can actually savor and enjoy,” he says. “That’s where we were blown away.”

How Little Leaf Farms Mastered the Disciplined Model for Indoor Ag Dominance

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 22:08:05 GMT

For Paul Sellew, founder and CEO of Little Leaf Farms, innovation isn’t about chasing the next tech play. It’s about something far more grounded: building a better system. While some in the indoor farming space have prioritized rapid growth, Sellew has steered Little Leaf toward a more disciplined model, proving the key to a sustainable food future lies in perfecting the fundamentals of how we grow, harvest and distribute every little leaf.

Discipline is critical in the indoor ag space, which has grappled with challenges from high energy costs to difficulty scaling to pests to intense market competition. All the while, Little Leaf Farms has quietly built a revolution to become North America’s top producer of indoor-grown lettuce.

The Devens, Mass.-based greenhouse grower seems to have cracked the code on scaling sustainability — earning a spot on Fast Company’s 2026 World’s Most Innovative Companies list and capturing over 50% of the indoor leafy green market in the process.

“We believe that innovation isn’t about chasing technology for its own sake,” Sellew says. “Rather, it’s about building a better system for growing and delivering fresh food. From the beginning, we’ve focused on fulfilling the original promise of controlled environment agriculture: fresher, more sustainable greens produced with consistency and strong unit economics.

“That means integrating advanced greenhouse technology with a disciplined operating model,” Sellew continues. “We’ve taken a continuous improvement approach to the fundamentals — how we grow, harvest and distribute — and have been constantly refining the system as we scale. In a category where others prioritized speed, we’ve stayed focused on building a model that works and keeps getting better over time.”

Sellew says the approach has enabled Little Leaf to expand into new markets, introduce new products and grow its footprint in a way that’s both sustainable and profitable.

Doing More With Less

Indoor ag operates in a dynamic macroeconomic environment, where cost pressures and efficiency matter more than ever.

For Paul Sellew, founder and CEO of Little Leaf Farms, innovation isn’t about chasing the next tech play. It’s about something far more grounded: building a better system.

(Photo courtesy of Little Leaf Farms)

“That’s reinforced our focus on disciplined execution — continuing to improve yields, reduce waste and optimize our supply chain so we can deliver high-quality greens at a competitive price,” Sellew says.

Through its controlled environment model, Little Leaf Farms says it uses 90% less water than traditional farming, eliminates chemical runoff and produces up to 30 times the yield of field-grown lettuce.

And given the fresh produce industry’s highly competitive fight for share of stomach, product innovation is another important driver of growth for Little Leaf Farms.

“Our introduction of teen leaf romaine, something that hadn’t been commercially grown in a greenhouse before, is a good example of how we’re expanding what’s possible in CEA,” he says.

Extending an Empire of Fresh

Since its founding in 2015, Little Leaf Farms has set out to redefine the packaged salad category through its year-round greenhouse model that harvests daily and delivers to grocers in as little as 24 hours.

It’s a business model that has Little Leaf Farms driving change versus adapting to it.

“We’re fundamentally changing expectations around fresh produce. For decades, leafy greens have been impacted by weather, long transit times and food safety concerns — all of which can lead to inconsistent quality and shelf life,” Sellew says. “By growing year-round in a controlled environment and delivering to stores within 24 hours of harvest, we’ve shown there’s a better way, where freshness, safety and reliability become the standard, not the exception.”

At the same time, Sellew says Little Leaf is laser focused on adapting to how the market is evolving.

(Photo courtesy of Little Leaf Farms)

“Consumer expectations are shifting toward fresher, longer-lasting products and increasingly toward online grocery shopping, where consistency and shelf life matter even more,” he says. “Our model is well-suited to meet those needs, and we continue to refine how we package, distribute and position our products to align with those behaviors.”

To support this business strategy, the greenhouse grower has advanced its expansion plans in the past year with a new 215-acre site in Manchester, Tenn., initially slated for 40 acres of greenhouse space with an option to grow to 80 acres. The company also broadened its footprint with an additional greenhouse at its McAdoo, Pa., campus and introduced a new product innovation: Romaine Leaf Lettuce.

Expanding operations to additional sites has helped Little Leaf Farms bring fresh greens closer to more consumers across the Midwest, Southeast and Southwest, while further flexing its scalability muscles.

“One of the biggest lessons from McAdoo is the importance of building systems that scale without sacrificing consistency,” Sellew says. “Our experience successfully designing and operating four 10-acre greenhouses in Pennsylvania has given us both the confidence and the operational foundation to take the next step with our first 20-acre facility in Tennessee. We’re applying those learnings from day one, from greenhouse design and automation to workflow optimization.

“Just as important is our approach to building teams,” he continues. “With each new greenhouse, we carry forward key learnings by transferring experienced leaders from existing facilities while also hiring and developing local talent. That combination helps us maintain our standards while building strong, regionally rooted teams.”

Sellew says the goal is to replicate what works and continue to improve it, so the company scales in a way that stays true to the model it has built.

Expansion also helps Little Leaf deliver on its 24- to 36-hour harvest-to-shelf promise.

“Proximity is a big part of our strategy,” Sellew says. “By building greenhouses closer to the regions we serve, we’re able to maintain that freshness standard even as we grow.

“We continue to invest in logistics, forecasting and supply chain coordination to ensure we’re moving product as efficiently as possible,” he continues. “It’s less about any single breakthrough and more about tightly integrating operations from greenhouse to shelf so the system works seamlessly at scale.”

An Eye to Future Growth

Sellew says making Fast Company’s list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2026 underscores what innovation in agriculture can achieve. But how does a company like Little Leaf sustain the No. 1 spot as the largest indoor leafy greens producer in North America, while continuing to innovate and expand?

“Growing remains at the core of everything we do,” Sellew says. “If we continue to improve how we grow, I believe that market leadership follows from that.

“Innovation for us is continuous,” he adds. “It shows up in new varieties, operational improvements and how we scale into new regions without compromising quality. We’re also exploring new product offerings that feature our leafy greens, creating more ways for consumers to experience the brand. The goal isn’t just to grow bigger — it’s to raise the bar as we grow.”

Moving forward, Sellew sees significant opportunity to expand both geographically and within households.

“Over the next several years, our focus is on thoughtful scaling — adding capacity, strengthening retail partnerships and continuing to grow the category overall,” he says. “We’re always working toward our long-term ambition: to become the No. 1 lettuce brand in the country. We believe controlled environment agriculture will play a much larger role in the U.S. food system, and we intend to lead that shift.”

Taylor Farms Acquires Equinox Growers

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 20:34:48 GMT

Taylor Farms has acquired Equinox Growers, a leafy greens greenhouse in Louisa, Va., from Generate Capital. The Salinas, Calif.-based salad company says the facility is the largest commercial greenhouse in the mid-Atlantic and features technology to grow a wide variety of high-quality greens.

“We’re incredibly proud of the hard work our team has put into developing this facility and creating an operation that is truly worthy of a partner like Taylor Farms,” says John McMahon, president of Equinox Growers. “Seeing Taylor Farms’ strong commitment to the CEA space is both energizing and inspiring, and we’re delighted to support their vision.”

The controlled environment agriculture facility will be managed by a team of Equinox Growers while fully integrating into Taylor Farms’ product portfolio and cold-chain logistics network, according to a news release. Taylor Farms says the scale of Equinox Growers combined with its distribution network will improve freshness and make locally grown greens more accessible to consumers throughout the Eastern U.S.

“Retailers and consumers alike are increasingly seeking long-term, reliable access to greenhouse-grown produce,” says T. Bruce Taylor, senior vice president of marketing and product for Taylor Farms. “We’re taking a major step forward into controlled environment agriculture as this acquisition allows us to continue diversifying our raw product supply — both in geography and growing method — while meeting the rising demand for high-quality greenhouse-grown salads.”

The CEA lettuce segment is one of the fastest-growing categories in packaged salads, expanding by approximately 25% year-over-year as consumers seek freshness, crunch and year-round availability, the release says.

“This greenhouse is led by a world-class group of growers and operators with more than 120 years of combined experience,” says Sydney Ramskill, Taylor Farms vice president of CEA. “With a focus on freshness, flavor and value, we are excited to grow our greenhouse programs in our brands and our customer partners’ brands.”

Value-Added Innovations Help Shoppers Seek Convenience Without Compromising Quality

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 17:34:24 GMT

In the modern grocery landscape, the boundary between the produce department and a professional kitchen may be blurring. The focus has shifted from simple commodities to sophisticated, value-added solutions that prioritize both global flavors and kitchen-ready convenience.

Today’s shoppers are no longer just looking for a head of lettuce; they are seeking complete meal solutions that balance health, bold exploration and immediate ease of use.

Responding to this shift, industry leaders are rolling out a new generation of produce that treats flavor as a primary ingredient. Fresh Express is elevating the category this spring with chef-crafted chopped salad kits like Creamy Mushroom Caesar and Tropical Mango Crunch, designed to bring “unexpected umami depth” and bold textures to the dinner table. Similarly, Ark Foods is reshaping consumer perceptions by framing salads as a “want” rather than a dietary obligation, finding massive success with its Taco Truck Chopped Salad Kit, a product that pairs nostalgic street-food flavors with playful branding to invite trial from younger demographics.

However, the value-added revolution isn’t limited to salad kits alone. Lipman Family Farms is demonstrating how innovation spans the entire supply chain, offering a fresh-cut lineup that includes everything from hand-prepped fajita mixes to pico de gallo. By using state-of-the-art facilities to provide 100% usable yield, Lipman says it is effectively reducing knife and slicer use for consumers and foodservice operators alike.

Together, these releases represent a strategic road map for a produce category increasingly defined by its ability to save the consumer time without sacrificing the joy of a premium, flavor-driven meal.

New Era of Value-Added Produce

The fresh produce department is currently undergoing an evolution. What was once a section defined by bulk bins and raw commodities is rapidly transforming into a destination for culinary discovery and operational efficiency. This shift is being championed by three distinct yet complementary forces: the global flavor exploration of Fresh Express, the brand-led disruption of Ark Foods and the infrastructure-backed convenience of Lipman Family Farms.

Fresh Express: Global Flavors Meet the Salad Bowl

As consumers dine out less but demand the same complexity of flavor at home, Fresh Express is stepping into the gap with a spring 2026 lineup that leans heavily into flavor-forward profiles. Beginning March 16, the company will introduce four new chopped salad kits that it says move beyond standard dressings into the realm of “elevated culinary experiences.”

The focus on texture and bold profiles is a direct response to a market that values chef-crafted combinations over simple leafy greens. At a suggested retail price of $3.99, these kits position high-end culinary trends as an accessible, everyday luxury.

Fresh Express says the new flavors include:

Creamy Mushroom Caesar — A richer, more indulgent spin on Caesar, layering crisp romaine with shaved Parmesan cheese, garlic croutons and cracked black pepper, all coated in a savory, mushroom-forward Caesar dressing that adds unexpected umami depth.
Tropical Mango Crunch — A sweet-meets-savory flavor bomb with a vibrant tropical mango vinaigrette over romaine, red cabbage and carrots, finished with crunchy plantain chips and roasted cashews for bold texture in every bite.
Zesty Hawaiian Crunch — An island-inspired blend of leafy greens, cabbage, carrots, dried pineapple and buttery macadamia nuts, tossed in a sweet Hawaiian-style dressing with a subtle kick.
Italian Herb and Parmesan — A classic Italian flavor profile turned up a notch with focaccia croutons, shaved Parmesan cheese and a bold, herb-packed dressing over crispy iceberg, green leaf lettuce, red cabbage and carrots.

Ark Foods: Redefining the ‘Want’ in Healthy Eating

While Fresh Express focuses on the palate, Ark Foods is focusing on the psychology of the shopper. Under the leadership of founder and CEO Noah Robbins, the company says it is on a mission to make salads feel like a “want” rather than a chore.

Its cornerstone success, the Taco Truck Chopped Salad Kit, taps into the nostalgia and craveable nature of street food. Since its launch, the flavor has become one of Ark Foods’ fastest-adopted salad kits, demonstrating strong early velocity and repeat purchase within its first year on shelf. The SKU has resonated particularly with younger, flavor-forward shoppers while continuing to perform well with core natural-channel consumers, the company says. From a distribution standpoint, the product was developed with scale and shelf performance in mind, allowing Ark Foods to support strong early adoption across retail partners.

“At Ark Foods, our work is guided by a flavor-driven mindset: crafting a new generation of salad kits rooted in simple, clean ingredients, thoughtful combinations and inspiration from emerging, global flavor trends,” Robbins says.

Inspired by the nostalgic flavors of street food, the Taco Truck Chopped Salad Kit translates familiar taco-inspired elements into an everyday, accessible and high-quality format, the company says. Crunchy vegetables are paired with shredded cheese, chipotle dressing and corn chips to deliver a craveable, veggie-forward salad that prioritizes flavor and texture without compromising ingredient standards.

“In a category as established as salad kits, progress doesn’t come from adding more options; it comes from giving shoppers clearer reasons to choose,” says Eduardo Mestre, chief operating officer for Ark Foods. “The Taco Truck Chopped Salad Kit is a reflection of how we think about product development across our lineup and our commitment to sourcing integrity: familiar flavors people already love, brought to life through engaging branding and operational rigor.”

Branding has played a central role in the Taco Truck Chopped Salad Kit’s success. While a taco-truck-style flavor is not a traditional salad option, Ark Foods says it intentionally created and named this concept that feels playful and intuitive, allowing shoppers to quickly understand the flavor profile while standing out on the shelf. The name signals familiarity without being prescriptive, tapping into recognizable comfort-food cues while still leaving room for discovery, an approach the Ark Foods team designed to invite trial and make the product feel approachable rather than niche.

Lipman Family Farms: The Engine of Convenience

While salad kits dominate the consumer-facing side of the aisle, the backbone of the value-added movement lies in the supply chain. Lipman Family Farms is using the Southeast Produce Council’s upcoming Southern Exposure event to highlight how its 75-year tradition of vertical integration is now being channeled into fresh-cut innovation.

Lipman’s approach addresses the real labor and safety challenges faced by both retail merchandisers and foodservice operators.

“We’re excited about the possibilities that our fresh-cut products bring to our customers,” says Cheryl Hoefs, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Lipman Family Farms. “From our coast-to-coast consistency to packaging innovation, our fresh-cut line is a real showcase for the advanced capabilities we bring to the table.”

Lipman says its fresh-cut produce reduces knife and slicer use, ensures consistency and limits handling during prep, which lowers cross-contamination risk. Lipman does the work in temperature-controlled facilities with continuous monitoring and extensive sanitation and quality measures to ensure uniform product across locations and 100% usable yield per pound.

“We’re growers at heart, but our business extends far beyond farming,” Hoefs says. “With our vertically integrated business, nobody is better equipped to deliver in-season freshness at any time of the year. We’re excited for Southern Exposure to experience over 75 years of Lipman innovation.”

United Front for the Future

The common thread linking these three companies is a commitment to flavor without friction. Whether it is through a macadamia nut crunch in a Hawaiian salad, the street-food appeal of a taco kit or the operational ease of pre-sliced fajita veggies, the produce industry is proving that it can evolve alongside the modern consumer.

Taylor Farms Bridges Social via New TikTok-Instacart Collaboration

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 20:55:51 GMT

Taylor Farms is one of the first brands to go live with new Instacart end-to-end retail media capabilities offered natively within TikTok.

As a producer of ready-to-eat salads and healthy fresh foods, Taylor Farms says in a news release it is leveraging the new advertising solution, enabled by TikTok’s collaboration with Instacart, to redefine how consumers discover and shop fresh, healthy foods. This innovative campaign marks Taylor Farms’ breakthrough moment in social commerce and digital grocery innovation.

By using TikTok and Instacart, Taylor Farms says it is creating a seamless experience that connects engaging brand and influencer content to real-time product availability and instant shoppability.

“At TikTok, we’re committed to helping businesses grow by connecting them with audiences ready to discover and act,” says Lorry Destainville, global head of product partnerships for TikTok. “Through our partnership with Instacart, more brands can reach customers at the exact moment of inspiration, whether they’re ready to stock up on groceries or motivated to try a new item.”

“Instacart is committed to helping brands of all sizes meet consumers the moment inspiration strikes,” says Tim Castelli, vice president of global advertising sales for Instacart. “Campaigns like Taylor Farms’ on TikTok bring that vision to life, demonstrating how Instacart’s retail media and fulfillment capabilities help consumers move seamlessly from inspiration to purchase.”

“TikTok is where food inspiration thrives, and this collaboration with Instacart and TikTok unlocks a new era of digital marketing and closes the gap between inspiration and purchase,” says Christina Barnard, vice president of marketing and e-commerce for Taylor Farms. “By being able to add Taylor Farms’ products to their cart in as little as a few taps, we’re creating a seamless shopping experience for consumers to enjoy fresh, healthy products in a way they’ve never been able to before.”

Taylor Farms says its campaign delivers a first-of-its-kind approach to fresh food discovery and leverages:

Shoppable TikTok ad formats paired with robust Instacart grocery fulfillment capabilities.
Instacart high-intent audience segments, including produce and healthy product buyers.
Closed-loop measurement, connecting TikTok engagement to verified Instacart sales.
Brand and influencer creativity, amplified across TikTok’s powerful discovery engine.

Through shoppable TikTok ads powered by Instacart first-party grocery insights and closed-loop measurement, consumers can now discover Taylor Farms salad kits in content they love and purchase them with full sales attribution.

Together, the three companies are making it easier than ever for consumers to access fresh, nutritious food when and where inspiration strikes.

Dole Fresh Vegetables/Bud Antle Extends Salad Kit Savings Through the Holidays

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 18:48:44 GMT

Dole Fresh Vegetables/Bud Antle says it is giving holiday revelers compelling new reasons to add a salad kit to their holiday dinner and entertaining plans.

Reflecting the trend of more Americans eating salad for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and New Year’s, the produce company says it is teaming with Instacart to offer special savings on its bestselling Dole Chopped Caesar and Chopped Bacon Caesar kits.

Starting Dec. 15, Instacart shoppers can save $1 for every $8 they spend on the Dole Chopped Caesar, Dole Chopped Bacon Caesar and almost 70 other Dole salad offerings, including 31 separate salad kits.

One of the most popular Dole-branded salad offerings, the Chopped Caesar kit salad combines shredded Parmesan cheese and crumbled garlic croutons with crisp romaine lettuce and Dole’s Caesar Dressing. The Chopped Bacon Caesar kit offers a twist and includes garlic pepper seasoning, bacon crumbles and crumbled garlic croutons, the company says.

According to David Austin, vice president of marketing and innovation for Dole Fresh Vegetables/Bud Antle, the offer is consistent with trends showing that more Americans are embracing salad for the holidays. He adds that surveys suggest close to one-third of U.S. families serve a green salad for December holidays and almost one in 10 serve a Caesar salad, with West Coast residents the most likely to add fresh greens to their holiday menus.

“Whether balancing out the ham or turkey at Christmas, the latkes and Sufganiyot at Hanukkah or the hearty stews of Kwanzaa, salads offer a refreshing, lighter side dish option for any holiday meal,” Austin says.

Dole Fresh Vegetables introduced its first packaged salad in 1993. The company’s salad business, now part of Bud Antle LLC, was instrumental in the launch and growth of new salad varieties, such as its Dole Chopped Salad Kits line, and the overall salad segment.

“With December calendars packed with entertaining, travel and last-minute meal planning, Dole’s salad kits deliver a ready-to-serve option that requires virtually no prep,” Austin says. “Our latest promotion helps consumers keep fresh greens on the table even during the season’s busiest weeks.”

Dietitian Reveals Key Nutrients Missing From Many Diets and How to Get Them

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 17:37:27 GMT

As part of its Fresh Expressionists program, Fresh Express has partnered with actress, cookbook author and mom Tiffani Thiessen , along with registered dietitian and cookbook author Kylie Sakaida, to help demonstrate how fresh, chef-crafted salads can engage consumers who want convenience and culinary inspiration.

The campaign encourages consumers to get creative with Fresh Express salad kits and blends, showing how easy it is to add color, crunch and flavor to everyday meals.
It also aims to help consumers get more of the key nutrients they need for good health from their diets.

“Many consumers today fall short on key nutrients like fiber and potassium, largely because they aren’t eating enough vegetables,” says Sakaida. “Convenience and taste are two of the biggest barriers, which is why ready-to-eat options like Fresh Express can make such a meaningful difference. Fresh Express helps bridge that gap by making it easy to add more greens to everyday meals with no washing, chopping or prep needed. Their wide variety of salad kits makes getting more produce not just simple but exciting and flavorful.”

Through her cookbook, “So Easy So Good,” Sakaida seeks to demonstrate that nutritious foods can be simple to prepare and delicious at the same time.

“‘So Easy So Good’ is about showing that eating well doesn’t have to be complicated,” she says. “I wanted to create recipes that are realistic for busy people: minimal prep, simple ingredients and balanced meals that leave you satisfied.

“Every recipe is designed with a dietitian’s eye for protein, fiber and veggies, but in a way that feels approachable and doable on a weeknight,” she says, adding her favorite recipe in the book is the Blackened Fish Taco Bowl cover recipe that takes less than 30 minutes to prepare.

As for Sakaida’s favorite Fresh Express salad, the American Crunchy Blend is a top contender.

“I recently used it to make a Lemon Balsamic Chicken, Sweet Corn and Avocado Salad that’s light, fresh and satisfying,” she says. “I’m also a big fan of the Mediterranean Herb Chopped Salad Kit, which has kale, cabbage, carrots, chickpeas and feta tossed in a lemon-oregano vinaigrette. I usually add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.”

And when it comes to getting kids to eat their veggies, Sakaida says it shouldn’t be a fight.

“I always say to start small and make veggies taste great,” she says. “Add Fresh Express salads to meals your kids already enjoy, like mixing greens into pasta or serving a salad alongside pizza. When vegetables are flavorful and easy to eat, they become part of the routine rather than a fight.”

Your next read: Star-Powered Produce Shines at IFPA Global Show

Star-Powered Produce Shines at IFPA Global Show

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 04:43:13 GMT

ANAHEIM, Calif. — From an early ’90s TV star to a former Marine turned celebrity comedian to famous football players past and present to a social influencer extraordinaire, this year’s International Fresh Produce Association Global Produce and Floral Show featured a number of star-backed produce collaborations designed to increase consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Fresh Express featured its collaboration with Tiffani Thiessen at its International Fresh Produce Association Global Show booth.

(Photo: Jennifer Strailey)

Fresh Express Partners with Tiffani Thiessen

Fresh Express is partnering with cookbook author, mother and actor Tiffani Thiessen of “Saved by the Bell” and “Beverly Hills, 90210” fame to spotlight the nutrition, flavor, freshness and versatility of its salad offerings.

The Packer sat down with Thiessen during the IFPA show to learn more about the collaboration.

“I’ve always loved to cook, [and] we were definitely big Fresh Express fans in our house — my husband and I for many, many years even before children,” Thiessen said. “So, it was kind of a perfect partnership because we were already fans — already using the product. And I think they saw how I could be creative with their product and get kids to eat vegetables by developing really creative recipes that are specific to kids as well.

“I think people see me as someone they’re familiar with. I’m sort of nostalgic because I’ve been in the industry for a long time and grew up with people in their houses with the popular TV shows that I’ve been on,” she added. “I think maybe they see me as someone who’s trustworthy in the food area too, so both sides of my career are kind of perfect for a partnership like this.”

While Thiessen and her family’s favorite Fresh Express salad is the Farmhouse Ranch Chopped Salad Kit, she says the creative possibilities are nearly endless with the company’s full range of salads.

“The thing about their salads is that whether you go with some of their simple lettuces or you go with their mixed salads, you can elevate them in many different ways,” she says.

Thiessen has brought a creative approach to her Fresh Express meal-making from adding a protein to turning the salads into a tostada to making them into a wrap or topping a hot pizza with Caesar salad.

When it comes to getting kids to eat their veggies, Thiessen says don’t forget to make it fun.

“I think it starts with teaching kids good values at a young age and getting them to understand that you don’t have to just have raw carrots. You can make it fun,” she said. “And I think that’s what’s so great about Fresh Express is that there are ways that you can actually make eating vegetables fun, delicious and easy.”

Matty Matheson, Emmy-winning actor/producer of “The Bear” is Mushroom Council’s lead ambassador for its new campaign designed to reach the next-gen mushroom shopper.

(Photo courtesy of Mushroom Council)

Mushroom Council Brings “The Bear” Celeb to IFPA

Mushroom Council has tapped Matty Matheson, chef, restaurateur, cookbook author and Emmy-winning producer and actor on “The Bear,” to serve as its lead mushroom ambassador for its new “It’s Not Magic. It’s Mushrooms.” campaign aimed at cultivating the next generation of mushroom shoppers — namely Gen Z and millennials.

Matheson attended the IFPA Global Show, Oct. 17, where he posed for pictures with fans at the Mushroom Council booth outside and then on the show floor, where he toured mushroom growers’ booths and posed for more pics.

Matty Matheson toured the show floor at IFPA, visiting various mushroom booths.

(Photo courtesy of Mushroom Council)

“We were pleased to have him join us as we revealed campaign details at the IFPA Global Show,” said Cristie Mather, vice president of marketing for Mushroom Council.

The Wonderful Company’s Diana Salsa and Bryan Hansen talked pistachio partnerships and promotions.

(Photo: Jennifer Strailey)

Wonderful Pistachios and Josh Allen Not Holding Back

“Don’t hold back” on healthy snacking was a key message at The Wonderful Company’s booth, where Wonderful Pistachios showcased its latest no-shells variety — Dill Pickle — and its partnership with Buffalo Bills quarterback and pistachio farmer Josh Allen.

“Our ‘Don’t Hold Back Snack’ campaign is a big platform for good-for-you eating, and it will flow through all of our marketing for the foreseeable future,” says Wonderful Pistachio’s Diana Salsa, who adds that the company hasn’t abandoned its “Get Crackin’’’ campaign.

Wonderful Pistachios has partnered with professional football player Josh Allen.

(Photo courtesy of Wonderful Pistachios)

The Wonderful Company says “Don’t Hold Back Snack” includes a national advertising campaign that puts Allen’s NFL stardom center stage. It also follows the launch of the Josh Allen Scholarship and a multilevel marketing campaign.

The Josh Allen Scholarship aims to support first-generation college students in California’s Central Valley, where Allen’s family farm produces pistachios for the Wonderful Pistachios brand.

It’s a great partnership for The Wonderful Company for which “philanthropy is also part of our DNA,” saus Salsa, adding the campaign spotlights an authentic connection of family farming tradition with professional football excellence.

An Avocados From Mexico in-store promotional bin features Rob Riggle.

(Photo courtesy of Avocados From Mexico)

AFM Names Rob Riggle ‘The Guac Guru’

This year Avocados From Mexico has tapped comedic actor Rob Riggle to help deliver the message that football and guac are the ultimate game day duo.

AFM says 84% of professional American football fans say food is as important as the game itself. With this in mind, when fans purchase an Avocados From Mexico-themed bag of avocados featuring the Guac Guru, they’ll be able to scan the QR code, snap a photo of their receipt and receive $1.50 cash back via Venmo or PayPal. The promotion runs from Jan. 19 to Feb. 8. With 81% of fans indicating they’ll watch the Super Bowl at home, AFM says guac is expected to play a key role in game-time entertaining.

“Our big focus this year is football. We are really leaning into football as a platform to drive consumption,” says Stephanie Bazan, senior vice president of commercial strategy and execution.

Bazan says promotions during football season are also perfectly aligned with the Mexican avocado season from October to December.

AFM is not only leaning into professional football but college as well, and it is a sponsor of the ESPN noon halftime show for college football.

“It’s been successful, and consumption did increase as a result,” says Bazan.

AFM is also eyeing snacking to drive avocado sales.

“There’s a huge connection between snacks and avocados in the basket,” Bazan says. “Consumers make 1.6 billion trips down the snack aisle between October and February.”

To engage snack seekers in center store, AFM is running a promotion in the snack aisle that offers $2 off the purchase of four avocados. Supported by in-store signage that allows shoppers to scan a QR code that offers an instant discount, the promotion is set to run Nov. 3 to Jan. 19.

“It’s creating disruption in-store with behavior that already exists,” she says. “It also shows that you can go outside produce and capture more sales.”

Canadian greenhouse grower Del Fresco Pure has partnered with social media influencer Logan Moffitt.

(Photo: Jennifer Strailey)

Cucumber Social Media Sensation

At the Del Fresco Pure booth it was lights, camera, action, as TikTok star Logan Moffitt grabbed his mandoline, began slicing greenhouse-grown cucumbers and shook up one of his signature salads for fans.

While Moffitt doesn’t have professional culinary training, he told The Packer he started meal planning and preparing the nightly dinner for his family at the age of 12.

“I’ve been doing this for a long time,” he said.

Moffitt says the cucumber concept came to him at a time when he was feeling uninspired about his food-focused social posts.

But the social slump didn’t last long. Moffitt’s TikTok take on cukes caught fire, taking him from 3.3 million TikTok followers to 7.2 million followers.

“It took my career to the next level,” said Moffit, adding that his videos make cucumber salad making “more fun and so easy.”

Andre Reed and The Packer’s Christina Herrick take a bit out of apple snacking.

(Photo courtesy of Crunch Time Apple Growers)

Crunch Time Apple Growers’ Hall of Famer

Hall of Famer Andre Reed signed photos and promoted the Crunch Time Apple Growers’ SnapDragon contest at the IFPA Global Show. The contest offers consumers a chance to win a trip to the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony and more.

Reed played 16 seasons in the NFL as a wide receiver, mainly with the Buffalo Bills. And of course, SnapDragon, the official apple of the Buffalo Bills, is his snack of choice.

Jessica Wells, executive director of Crunch Time Apple Growers, says the goal is to promote SnapDragon to football fans of other teams as the variety has had a great start to the season.

“It’s our best start to the season yet,” she says. “We’re super grateful to the retailers that have given us a shot.”

Fresh Ideas Keep Packaged Salads Growing

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 11:14:25 GMT

The packaged salad category is evolving quickly as consumers seek freshness, flavor, convenience and sustainability. Companies across the supply chain are responding with new flavors, innovative packaging, extended shelf life and strategies to meet the demands of health-minded shoppers.

From texture-driven innovation to plant-forward meals inspired by fast casual restaurants, industry leaders are leaning into changing habits and new opportunities to grow the category.

Meeting Consumers Where They Are

For Taylor Farms, delivering a satisfying salad experience means understanding what shoppers want at every stage of their health and wellness journey.

“We’re seeing a large group of consumers looking for wellness-based solutions,” says Charis Neves, vice president of product and innovation for Taylor Farms. “By diversifying our salad portfolio, we are working to ensure we have something for every consumer, regardless of where they are on their health and wellness journey. Texture is very important when it comes to eating vegetables, and delivering on flavor and taste makes it exciting for all consumers’ taste buds.”

This emphasis on both flavor and format is driving new product development, Neves says. Taylor Farms recently introduced mini chopped kits designed for smaller households, college students and grab-and-go consumers. These single-serving portions aim to reduce waste while making it easier for shoppers to incorporate leafy greens into daily meals. The company has also moved some of its organic products from plastic to fiber-based trays under its Earthbound Farm line to further reduce its environmental footprint.

Greenhouse-Grown Gains Ground

BrightFarms is seeing significant growth in demand for greenhouse-grown packaged salads.

“Ready-to-eat salad kits are particularly popular, growing 21% versus last year,” says Jess Soare, vice president of marketing for BrightFarms. “Consumers are becoming more educated about what they put in their bodies and are learning about the benefits of indoor-grown salads, including longer-lasting freshness, consistent quality, reduced environmental impact and greens grown without pesticides.”

BrightFarms is leaning into bold flavors and sustainability. Its Crunch Kits, featuring a peel-and-reseal film, use 35% less plastic than traditional clamshells and eliminate the need for extra dishes. Asian-inspired flavors, among the top trending profiles in the category, are driving flavor innovation. Additionally, Soare says a new bagged format uses 60% less plastic than trays, helping the company meet retailer sustainability goals while reaching new meal occasions.

Education is also key to consumer engagement. BrightFarms uses QR codes on packaging to connect shoppers with virtual greenhouse tours and other content that showcases how its salads are grown and why they’re different. The company’s proximity-based greenhouse network allows greens to reach shelves within 24 hours of harvest, extending shelf life and reinforcing its freshness story.

Culinary Inspiration and Data-Driven Strategy

For Dole Fresh Vegetables/Bud Antle, consumer trends intersect directly with product innovation.

“We’re seeing strong momentum in packaged salads as consumers look for fresh, flavorful and convenient ways to eat well,” says David Austin, vice president of marketing and innovation for Dole Fresh Vegetables/Bud Antle.

One factor influencing demand is the rise of GLP-1 medications, Austin says, which is driving interest in portion-controlled, nutrient-dense foods. Dole’s salad kits naturally align with those needs, he adds, and the company is investing in research to better understand these emerging consumer groups.

Dole is also capitalizing on culinary trends with new flavors inspired by global cuisines and comfort classics. Among its latest launches are Caprese Chopped, Pesto Ranch and Apple Harvest premium salad kits. Packaging has been refreshed with contemporary visuals designed to stand out on crowded shelves, while flavor innovation keeps the offering exciting for millennials and Gen Z shoppers discovering the category, Austin says.

Retail activation is an important part of the strategy, he adds. Austin says Dole’s merchandising programs and digital campaigns have shown strong results. A recent partnership with a Midwest retailer generated 4% incremental growth and doubled return on ad spend with simple shelf wobblers, while a fall campaign through Instacart drove new-to-brand sales.

“Making sure your brand remains top of mind with retailers and consumers is always a challenge,” Austin says. “These efforts ensure Dole maintains strong visibility and share of voice.”

Restaurant Inspiration in the Produce Aisle

Bonduelle is tapping into the “bowl boom” that’s reshaping how consumers eat fresh meals.

“From fast-casual restaurants like Chipotle Mexican Grill, Sweetgreen and CAVA to grocery stores, people are gravitating toward bowls because they deliver everything we want in a single meal: freshness, variety and bold, craveable flavors,” a company spokesperson says.

Technomic data backs it up: 43% of menus in traditional and fast-casual restaurants now feature bowls, up 10% in just the past year. Bonduelle’s Bistro Loaded Bowls and Savor Bowls bring that fast-casual appeal into retail, the spokesperson says. Loaded Bowls feature bigger bowls, bold flavors and premium ingredients like guacamole, grilled chicken and globally inspired dressings. Savor Bowls focus on warm, plant-rich meals with chef-crafted sauces like Cilantro-Lime Avocado and Ginger Teriyaki.

Packaging plays a big role, with 100% recycle-ready bowls containing at least 50% post-consumer recycled content. To support retail partners, Bonduelle says it pairs in-store signage with digital and influencer campaigns.

“The goal is simple: make it obvious that these are craveable, satisfying and effortless meals you can trust,” the spokesperson says.

Smart Packaging Extends Freshness

While much of the industry focuses on flavor and convenience, Fresh Inset says it is zeroing in on shelf life and product integrity.

“Convenience has always been the foundation of the packaged salad category, but what’s equally important is the expectation of freshness and integrity,” says Jacquie Maggio, head of marketing for Fresh Inset. “They’re looking for salads that still look and taste like they were just harvested several days after purchase.”

The company’s Vidre+ smart sticker is designed to actively protect produce from ethylene, which accelerates discoloration and spoilage. By turning traditional packaging into smart packaging, Maggio says Vidre+ allows packers to extend freshness without adding complex preservatives or costly modified atmosphere systems.

“The biggest challenge right now isn’t demand; it’s confidence,” Maggio says. “Shrink due to premature spoilage remains one of the most persistent issues in the category, both in terms of cost and consumer trust.”

This technology also addresses growing pressure to reduce food waste across the supply chain. Extending shelf life by just a few days can have a ripple effect from grower to retailer to consumer.

Little Gems, Big Move

Innovation in packaging and product design isn’t just happening with established players. Church Brothers Farms has entered the retail salad kit category with the launch of Little Gems Salad Kits.

Available in Caesar, Champagne, Creamy Chipotle and Miso Ginger, the kits feature buttery, crisp Little Gem lettuce and dressings made with avocado oil. The 8.5-ounce portions are designed to reduce waste and appeal to consumers looking for balanced, portion-controlled meals.

“As a millennial working mom, I can relate firsthand to what today’s consumers are looking for: convenient, great-tasting options with trusted ingredients, the right portions and something I can feel good about serving to my family,” says Tracy Carranza, vice president of retail sales for Church Brothers Farms.

The kits also include “Boost Your Plate” protein callouts to inspire consumers to customize their meals.

To support the launch, Church Brothers unveiled a new website designed to better connect with retail shoppers through recipe inspiration and a clean, modern aesthetic that mirrors the kits’ packaging.

“Our new website reflects the same spirit of freshness and innovation as our Little Gems Salad Kits,” says Loree Dowse, vice president of marketing and communications for Church Brothers Farms.

Freshness Drives the Packaged Salad Category

Consumers are increasingly prioritizing freshness, flavor and sustainability, fueling growth in the packaged salad category, says a spokesperson for Little Leaf Farms.

Little Leaf Farms meets this demand through controlled environment agriculture, producing pesticide-free greens harvested without ever being touched by human hands.

“Consumers are demanding greens that are consistently fresh, flavorful and responsibly grown,” the spokesperson says, adding that these greens form the foundation of Little Leaf Farms Salad Kits, offering a convenient, ready-to-eat option without compromising on quality or sustainability.

On the packaging front, Little Leaf Farms says the category has evolved significantly, moving away from bulky bags toward sleek, stackable designs that improve both shelf visibility and freshness. Little Leaf Farms’ rigid plastic clamshells allow consumers to see the quality of our greens while providing superior protection and maintaining their crisp texture, for example.

The Road Ahead for Packaged Salads

Across all segments of the category, sustainability and shelf life are top priorities. Taylor Farms and BrightFarms are moving to more sustainable packaging, Bonduelle is increasing recycled content and Fresh Inset is enabling longer freshness without added chemicals.

One consistent theme across all brands is flavor. From Dole’s Caprese and Pesto Ranch kits to Bonduelle’s global sauces and BrightFarms’ Asian-inspired Crunch Kits, salad makers are leaning into bold, restaurant-style flavor profiles to keep consumers excited.

“We drive innovation forward for consumers by creating salads they love to enjoy every single day,” Neves says of Taylor Farms.

The packaged salad category is no longer just about pre-washed greens in plastic clamshells. It’s a fast-evolving segment that now sits at the intersection of fresh produce, prepared meals and foodservice inspiration.

Companies are exploring everything from portion-controlled kits and restaurant-style bowls to freshness technology and sustainable packaging to meet the demands of a more informed and health-conscious consumer base.

Dole Fresh Vegetables/Bud Antle Targets Salad-Loving Fall Tailgaters

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 14:06:37 GMT

Just in time for tailgating season, Dole Fresh Vegetables/Bud Antle, manufacturer of Dole-branded packaged salads, has teamed with Instacart to offer winning savings on many of its most popular fall-friendly Dole Salad Kits.

Starting Sept. 15, salad-loving Instacart shoppers can save $1 for every $8 they spend on such pregame favorites as Dole Classic and Ultimate Caesar Kits and the company’s Chipotle & Cheddar, Crunchy Taco and Sunflower Crunch Chopped Kits, according to a news release.

According to David Austin, vice president of marketing and innovation for Dole Fresh Vegetables/Bud Antle, the real MVP of the season is the new Dole Chopped Smashed Burger Style Salad Kit, designed to bring the bold, satisfying flavors of a backyard burger straight to the fall tailgate or picnic without the bun or patty.

“We created the Smashed Burger Style Kit for fans who want that big burger flavor in a fresh, modern way,” Austin says. “It’s the ultimate tailgate hack — no grill required.”

The new Smashed Burger Style kit is stacked with Dole romaine lettuce, green and red cabbage, carrots, thick-cut cheddar cheese, crispy onions, fried pickles, brioche croutons and a rich, creamy “secret sauce” dressing that delivers a nostalgic punch with every bite, the company says. Whether topped with protein and served as a main dish or a hearty side, it can elevate any game-day spread.

The company recently completed a bold new packaging refresh of its Dole Salad Kit line to make it easier for salad lovers to choose, shop and enjoy their favorite all-inclusive salad experiences. The new look includes compelling new colors, photography, ingredient iconography and callouts, and it represents an intentional nod to the growing number of millennial and Gen Z shoppers buying packaged salads for the first time.

The refresh was unveiled in August on the company’s 31 Chopped, Premium and Classic salad kits at supermarkets throughout North America.

Fresh Express Reports Success of “Expression is in Session” Effort

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 19:31:43 GMT

Salad kit company Fresh Express is halfway through its “Expression is in Session” promotion campaign for what it calls the “busy back-to-routine season.” The campaign runs from Sept. 10-30 and includes a national sweepstakes where participating customers can win prizes.

Prizes include:

1 Grand Prize Winner: $500 gift card, three months of Fresh Express salads (48 free coupons) and a Fresh Express swag bag (apron, oven mitt, pot holder).
10 Runner-Up Winners: $50 gift card, one month of Fresh Express salads (16 free coupons) and a Fresh Express swag bag.

To participate, customers need to take a photo of a meal they made with a Fresh Express salad kit that includes the salad’s packaging, fill out a form on the contest’s website by Sept. 30, and submit their photo.

“Families are busier than ever during the back-to-routine season, and we wanted to create something that would truly inspire them at mealtime,” explains Fabian Pereira, Fresh Express vice president of marketing.

He adds the idea behind the campaign was to show that salads don’t have to be repetitive or complicated, and that salad kits can be used for other meals.

“We saw an opportunity to encourage people to have fun with their food, whether that means serving a vibrant salad or putting a creative twist on a weeknight favorite,” he continues. “It is really about giving families the tools to enjoy quick, delicious meals while also expressing themselves in the kitchen.”

Pereira says the team is encouraged by consumer engagement with the campaign so far, describing it as outperforming the company’s summer promotion already in the first week.

“We’re excited about the positive response so far and look forward to continuing to deliver innovation and inspiration to the salad category,” he says.

The Bagged Salad Segment

Pereira notes that, so far, roughly a third of participants in the promotion have been men. That is noteworthy as, according to The Packer’s Fresh Trends survey data, men are less likely to report purchasing bagged salads.

For example, in The Packer’s Fresh Trends 2025 Report, almost half of survey-taking women (49%) reported buying packaged salad mixes (just the greens) compared to 34% of men. Similarly, one third of participating women reported buying salad kits (packaged greens plus toppings and dressings) compared to 23% of men.

Both categories — packaged salad mixes and salad kits — have seen growth lately. In the 2025 report, 9% and 8% of participants reported being newcomers to the categories, respectively.

“The bagged salad category has continued to deliver impressive growth,” Pereira says. “Looking ahead, we expect demand to stay strong, particularly for innovations that bring global flavors, premium toppings and versatility to the table. Chopped kits will remain the growth engine of the category, as consumers look for new ways to enjoy restaurant-inspired meals at home.”

BrightFarms Campaign Gives Fans a Chance to Win $5K

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 19:24:59 GMT

BrightFarms says its new campaign, called “Salad Freaks in the Workplace,” celebrates die-hard salad devotees.

To highlight the movement, BrightFarms partnered with “Are You OK Show,” a popular social media series that interviews people for their funny takes on everyday life, and other content-creator “salad freaks” to bring the workplace to life.

“We were inspired by the countless letters, poems and even sonnets from fans writing in to share their love of BrightFarms,” says Jess Soare, vice president of marketing at BrightFarms. “So we thought: Let’s invite more people to join in. Be bold, be proud and be unapologetically obsessed with your salad.”

As part of the campaign, BrightFarms says it will give one winner $5,000 toward a dream PTO getaway. BrightFarms says “salad freaks” can enter by commenting on its pinned Instagram post. For bonus entries, participants can post a video of themselves mid-crunch on a BrightFarms salad, tag @brightfarms, and use the hashtag #SaladFreaksatWork. Ten additional winners will score a Salad Freak prize pack stocked with lunch-ready office gear, according to the company.

As Olivia’s Organics Celebrates 20th Anniversary, CEO Looks to the Future

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 19:06:36 GMT

Olivia’s Organics, the Chelsea, Mass.-based produce brand of State Garden, is marking its 20th anniversary this year. It got its start just as packaged salads began to take off, says State Garden CEO Mark DeMichaelis.

State Garden had recently acquired the assets of Northeast Fresh, and the company wanted to expand its business offerings, DeMichaelis says.

“We thought this would be a good entry point for our family and our company, as it was an emerging part of the business and an emerging part of the salad business,” he says. “What we did realize very quickly was these items lent themselves well to be grown organically.”

DeMichaelis says the price parity between conventional and organic was also narrow, which meant the company could offer organic packaged salads on the East Coast and keep the price close to its conventional counterparts. He says Olivia’s Organic was the first company to devote a facility east of the Mississippi to organic lettuce production, which State Garden’s customers sought out.

“We felt that we could provide a solution for them, where you order the product from us today and we can get it into your stores tomorrow, creating a fresher product and one in which you could really smooth out some of the bumps in the supply chain, and it really got caught on,” he says.

DeMichaelis says that one thing the company learned quickly was that organic customers wanted a brand to differentiate the organic products from those conventionally grown. After tossing around a few ideas without them landing, a State Garden employee suggested the brand be named after DeMichaelis’ new daughter, Olivia — the only girl of eight grandchildren.

Olivia is now 22 and a college graduate, and DeMichaelis says it’s been fun watching both Olivia’s Organics and his daughter grow up. And as for what she thinks of her being the namesake for the brand, DeMichaelis says, “I think she never really got it until she started getting older, and people say, ‘Oh, you’re the great little Olivia.’ And so now it’s very cute how she handles it.”

Since its founding, Olivia’s Organics has donated a portion of the proceeds from every purchase to the Olivia’s Organics Children’s Foundation, which support children’s charities operating in the communities where Olivia’s Organics products are sold.

(Photo courtesy of Olivia’s Organics)

More Than Just Organics

DeMichaelis says a big part of the milestone celebration will be a focus on Olivia’s Organics Children’s Foundation, which supports children’s charities operating in the communities where Olivia’s Organics products are sold. He says it was important to his father to give back to the community.

DeMichaelis says this tie to the foundation resonates with Olivia’s Organic consumers.

“I feel that it gave them a window into who we were as people, and it gave them a window into what we were trying to create with the brand, beyond what organic already was, which was an environmentally friendly brand, and one that is farming responsibly,” he says.

DeMichaelis says he’s seen an evolution in what organics means to consumers, going beyond environmentally friendly farming practices to its health benefits.

“We feel like we are on a great path due to the fact that we certainly are marketing clean ingredients, and we’re also marketing things that are farming cleanly as well,” he says. “The nexus of that has created, I think, some great tail winds for organic in general, and Olivia’s Organics especially, and we remain the No. 1 organic salad brand in the Northeast.”

He says he doesn’t see the demand for organics stopping as more shoppers pay closer attention to the foods they consume.

“We like to think that we were one of the first companies that really made organic, brought it mainstream, so more than just those folks that could afford it are purchasing it,” he says. “You see it in everyone’s basket as we’re going through, and it’s crossing all demographics, from children to older folks. So, it is something widely acceptable now, and we’re excited about where it’s going.”

And the company has some exciting things planned for its future, DeMichaelis says. This includes adding new varieties to its offering mix and offering a locally grown version of Olivia’s brand.

“We’re finding that’s what we see our customers looking for these days is products that go beyond just the nutritional value, like the spinach and the arugula and the kale that we’ve been providing, and different profiles that add a lot crunch to it, and we feel like we found some pretty cool varieties that will fit well into these, the Olivia’s lineup and the brand, and that’s really going to be our next evolution as the brand continues to grow over the next 20 years,” he says.

Year-Round Celebration

The company was set to hold a 20th Anniversary Sunset Soirée on Sept. 4, where customers, community members and more can gather for a celebration on the Boston waterfront.

“We wouldn’t be here without the support the customers have given us and certainly our growers,” he says. “When we got our start, we were very early in the organic business, and I had some really great grower partners who committed to working with us as they transitioned their land from conventional to organic and remain partners today.”

Olivia’s Organics plans to donate $20,000 to the Greater Boston Food Bank during its Sunset Soirée. The company has also committed to donating an additional $500,000 to deserving local nonprofits through the Olivia’s Organics Children’s Foundation over the next five years.

The brand also plans 20 weeks of programming in stores, community events and online with in-store promotions on Olivia’s products, social media activations and more.

Olivia’s Organics will take nominations from customers and fans for a chance to win surprise lunches and fresh greens for local nonprofits and community groups from the brand’s team.

It also plans to amplify its program offering fresh produce and healthy eating curriculum to local schools in need.

And Olivia’s Organics says it will double down on its commitment to a healthier planet by expanding sustainability initiatives. The brand will highlight measurable progress in waste reduction, regenerative acreage and resource efficiency.

“The brand was a success, and we want to make sure that people understand that we’re still committed to our initial intent, which was giving back to the community and helping those that support our roots,” DeMichaelis says.

Taylor Farms Recalls Salad Kit Due to Dressing

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 17:31:12 GMT

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says Taylor Fresh Foods is voluntarily recalling the Taylor Farms Honey Balsamic Salad Kit 6/8.3oz. because it may contain undeclared sesame and soy allergens. FDA says this voluntary recall in response to a recall initiated by Latitude 36 Foods.

FDA says master packs — individual packets of dressing and toppings supplied by Latitude 36 Foods and included in Taylor Farms salad kits — incorrectly included Asian sesame ginger dressing rather than the intended honey balsamic vinaigrette dressing, leading to the possibility of undeclared sesame and soy allergens in some Taylor Farms Honey Balsamic Salad Kits.

The Taylor Farms Honey Balsamic Salad Kit involved in the recall was distributed in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia and has code dates starting with “TFRS” and “Best If Used By” date up to and including Sept. 4, 2025. The product code can be found in the upper right-hand corner of the packaging.

FDA says there have been no illnesses reported to Taylor Farms in connection with the recalled product, and this recall does not apply to any other Taylor Farms products or brands.

Dole's New Salad Kits Appeal to Salad Loyalists, Millennial and Gen Z Consumers

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 15:51:17 GMT

Dole Fresh Vegetables/Bud Antle says its three new salad kit varieties tap the latest taste preferences, consumer research findings and restaurant and culinary trends.

The produce and salad company says it is using global flavors, reimagined classics and fresh new pairings to target both salad kit loyalists and the growing number of millennial and Gen Z salad users.

The U.S.'s expanding salad consumer base will be the first to experience the mozzarella-based richness of Italian caprese, the unexpected blend of classic ranch and herby pesto, and the tangy-but-sweet indulgence of apple cider in minutes-to-make salad kits featuring farm-fresh lettuces, vegetables, toppings and original dressings, the company says.

The new kits are the direct result of expanded research by the company into the latest taste trends ranging from fruits, herbs and spices to low-sugar, smoke and char preferences, says David Austin, vice president of marketing and innovation for Dole Fresh Vegetables/Bud Antle. They also directly leverage 12-month shopper grocery sales and preferences.

“By working closely with taste influencers, researchers and salad consumers, Dole brand is able to stay ahead of ever-changing flavor trends to deliver bold flavor experiences that consumers crave — sometimes before they even know they crave them,” Austin says. “Our goal is to use consumer insights, culinary partnerships and other R&D tools to continually create new salad enthusiasts, including both long-time loyalists and the growing number of millennials and Gen Z experiencing packaged salads for the first time.”

The three new kits bring the total number of Dole salad offerings to 70, including 31 separate salad kit SKUs, and strengthen the brand’s reputation for pairing Dole lettuces and vegetables with differentiated toppings and dressings in new, inspired ways to encourage healthier eating and increased vegetable consumption, the company says.

“Our fall 2025 extension further strengthens U.S. shopper confidence in the Dole brand, which was ranked the most-trusted in salad kits in the 2025 BrandSpark Most Trusted Awards Presented by Newsweek ,” Austin says.

Now shipping to retail throughout U.S., these new SKUs will join the Dole refrigerated salad sets at supermarkets in September:

Dole Caprese Chopped Salad Kit — This combines Dole romaine lettuce, green cabbage, kale and carrots with creamy mozzarella, brioche croutons and savory tomato-basil seasoning and vinaigrette dressing.
Dole Pesto Ranch Chopped Salad Kit — Two classic tastes — rich creamy ranch and bright herby basil pesto — come together in a blended salad experience that’s both familiar and unexpectedly craveable, the company says. Crisp Dole romaine lettuce is topped with nutty shredded Parmesan, golden garlic crouton crumbles and a house pesto ranch dressing.
Dole Apple Harvest Premium Salad Kit — This features a bed of tender spring mix baby leaf lettuces, topped with savory and creamy aged cheddar cheese, crunchy brown sugar pecans and Dole’s house apple cider vinaigrette. The dressing is a secret blend of tangy and sweet apple cider, real Dijon mustard and a blend of spices.

For the Caprese and Pesto Ranch kits, Austin says his team is leveraging the popularity of these flavored grocery items, which are up 118% and 93% in related grocery component sales over the past year, respectively. Similarly, the Apple Harvest kit taps into the increasing consumer appeal of apple cider vinaigrette, especially as a pairing during the fall and winter holidays, according to the company.

“We’re especially excited that all three new Dole Salad Kits scored an ‘always’ or ‘often’ intent-to-purchase score of at least 75% among the general population — meaning that at least three-fourths of consumers who tried our newest salads would buy them often or always,” Austin says.

The Dole brand’s latest salad kit debut is being supported by a national marketing program encompassing advertising, PR and at-retail POS.

Fresh Express to Launch New Salad Kit

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 14:47:54 GMT

Fresh Express says it will launch a new Chopped Kit: Mediterranean Herb, which will hit shelves nationwide on Sept. 24.

Fresh Express says this globally inspired kit is a fresh take on one of the fastest-growing flavor profiles in the country. Mediterranean is the No. 7 flavor nationally and growing 30% year-over-year, Fresh Express says.

This kit is crafted with a vibrant mix of kale, green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots and green leaf lettuce and is topped with crispy chickpeas and creamy feta and a zesty lemon and oregano vinaigrette.

Fresh Express says chopped kits are now the largest segment in the value-added services category (VAS), growing from just 5% in 2014 to over 23% today. The company says the chopped kit segment grew 10.6% YOY and 22.4% of Fresh Express sales come from its chopped kits, with its Chopped Caesar Kit ranked the No. 12 item in the entire VAS category at $64 million in annual sales.

Fresh Express says its new salad kit has tested high with consumers, earning an 80% Purchase Intent score in concept testing.

Taylor Farms adds to Chopped Mini Salad Kits line

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 16:36:37 GMT

Taylor Farms said in a news release it launched two new Chopped Mini Salad Kits to its product line. Taylor Farms said these new additions meet consumers’ demand for convenient, value-packed and perfectly portioned meal options.

The newly introduced Chopped Mini Salad Kits include fresh, flavorful ingredients paired with dressings, which Taylor Farms said fulfills the growing demand for smaller-sized salad kits.

Taylor Farms’ new introductions include:

Taco Ranch — Romaine lettuce, carrots, red cabbage, crispy mini corn chips with taco ranch dressing
Asian Crunch — Romaine lettuce, red and savoy cabbages, broccoli stalks, carrot, green onion, mini wonton squares with Asian sesame vinaigrette

“The Chopped Mini product line has been incremental to the category and a resounding success,” said Bryan Jaynes, senior vice president of product for Taylor Farms. “By providing consumers with a value-priced kit and a smaller portion size, we’re thrilled to see a wave of new customers entering the salad kit segment.”

Taylor Farms said these new Chopped Mini Salad Kits are perfectly portioned, ready-to-eat and are ideal for quick lunches, as a side dish or any occasion that calls for a fresh, healthy option.

“Our new mini chopped kit recipes reflect Taylor Farms’ desire to get more healthy greens into the hands of consumers with chopped salads that look and taste incredible, and with toppings and dressings in a variety of options,” Charis Neves, vice president innovation and product for Taylor Farms. “These new salads provide the perfect size for anyone looking for more ways to eat healthy throughout their day.”

Taylor Farms debuts new salad kits

Mon, 19 May 2025 14:46:59 GMT

Taylor Farms says it has introduced two chopped salad kits designed to bring bold flavors and convenience for consumers: Creamy Italian and Jalapeño Popper.

“As a brand that’s always reimagining what’s possible with salad flavors, we saw a chance to reinvent a popular appetizer in a unique way,” Chelsea Perkins, product manager for Taylor Farms, said in a news release. “These fresh, flavor-packed salads add a hint of indulgence while staying true to our roots — healthy, convenient and tasty salad flavors for everyone to enjoy.”

Creamy Italian features a mix of crisp romaine, green and red cabbage, carrots, green onion and kale paired with garlic seasoned crouton crumbles and shaved Parmesan, Asiago and Romano cheeses, topped with rich and creamy Italian dressing.

Jalapeño Popper is a combination of chopped romaine lettuce, carrots, red cabbage and kale, finished with crispy fried onions, Hatch green chili crouton crumbles, smoked white cheddar cheese and a tangy jalapeño popper ranch dressing.

“By pairing our fresh chopped salad greens with crave-worthy dressings, we’re moving salad beyond the side dish occasion and moving it to an exciting part of everyday meal planning,” said Charis Neves, director of innovation and product for Taylor Farms. “These new flavor profiles, whether nostalgic appetizers like jalapeño poppers or classic family recipes with homemade Italian dressing, provide consumers more choices to make lunch and dinner more colorful and delectable.”

Earthbound Farm launches new 'From Earth to You' campaign

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 18:20:45 GMT

Organic salad producer Earthbound Farm has launched a new multi-million dollar advertising campaign designed to help grow the organic salad category. The campaign, “From Earth to You,” aims to be a playful reminder of the connection between consumers, farmers and the planet. The company said it expects to earn over 435 million impressions across all premium media channels including television, social media and e-commerce platforms.

“The new creative connects the decisions we make at the store with the farmers who grow our food and the planet it is grown on,” Christina Barnard, vice president of brand marketing, said in a news release. “We are farmers at heart and we love growing the best food on earth.”

The “From Earth to You” campaign will feature Earthbound Farm’s portfolio of organic and greenhouse grown products across YouTubeTV, Disney+, Fubo, Paramount, Peacock, Roku and other connected TV platforms, as well as across social media networks including Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube. Additionally, the company says targeted display banners and shoppable video will run across retail media platforms and Instacart to meet consumers at the digital point of purchase.

New brand campaign celebrates salads as outlet for self-expression

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 19:24:54 GMT

Fresh Express says its new “Express Yourself” campaign is a national, multi-platform brand initiative designed to celebrate individuality, spark creativity and reimagine salads as a personal canvas for self-expression.

The campaign rollout kicks off this spring across streaming TV, paid social and digital. Through a series of colorful videos and creator partnerships, Fresh Express is encouraging consumers to see salad not just as food but as a form of self-expression, according to a news release.

“With ‘Express Yourself,’ we’re inviting consumers to rediscover the joy of creating in the kitchen,” said Fabian Pereira, vice president of marketing and innovation for Fresh Express. “Our salads are more than fresh and convenient — they’re a way for people to showcase their personality through flavor. Whether it’s a classic Caesar or a bold Southwest, every bite becomes a creative act.”

The “Express Yourself” campaign’s creative phases include, according to the release:

Social media advertisements — Vibrant, animated posts that capture attention and spark curiosity will feature colorful emojis and letters crafted from fresh greens, each uniquely representing an aspect of the “Express Yourself” story.
Video series — The campaign teased with a visually rich anthem video celebrating creativity, connection and individuality through food. The video brings to life the spirit of self-expression with Fresh Express salads as the centerpiece — where every meal becomes an opportunity to showcase your personality, tastes and preferences.
Engaging culinary content creators — The brand will spotlight some of the most creative and inspiring recipes, showcasing how salad greens can be a true reflection of individuality. Fresh Express will harness the talent of culinary creators and registered dietitians to push boundaries to craft bold and delicious recipes throughout the year.
Consumer activation — To celebrate innovation and further fuel excitement for the new campaign, Fresh Express is hosting the “Express Yourself” Recipe Contest . Now through June 1, fans are challenged to craft their most unique and expressive recipes using Fresh Express salads and share their creations. One grand prize winner will receive a year’s worth of Fresh Express Salads, plus other prizes.

As the campaign continues through April and beyond, Fresh Express said it will keep the movement alive with fresh new content across its digital and social channels, showcasing influencer-driven recipes and seasonal challenges.

Taylor Farms marks 3 years for Toronto facility

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 13:06:13 GMT

Taylor Farms, which produces ready-to-eat salads and fresh foods across North America, recently celebrated the third anniversary of its Toronto facility.

The company says it opened the Toronto location to bring production closer to distribution centers in Eastern Canada, after feedback from its Canadian retail partners, adding that the move enhanced produce freshness, boosted product availability and strengthened ties with local Canadian growers.

Since it opened, Taylor Farms says it has invested more than $60 million into the 60,000-square-foot Toronto facility, establishing Taylor Fresh Canada Foods in 2022. Today the facility operates with more than 400 employees producing over 900,000 pounds of fresh, healthy foods for Canadian families each week.

“Our continued success with our Toronto facility is a direct reflection of our devoted team,” Kevin Silver, general manager of Taylor Fresh Canada, said in a news release. “This company milestone is a testament to their commitment to superior quality and continuous product innovation.”

The facility produces a wide range of leafy greens and vegetables, offering more than 100 organic and conventional products. Since investing in the Toronto facility, Taylor Farms Chopped Salads has been named the most-trusted salad kit brand in Canada by BrandSpark , with Taylor Farms Dill Pickle and Sweet Kale as its top-selling kit flavors in Canada, according to the company.

“We couldn’t be more excited to celebrate this milestone with our talented Toronto team,” Mark Campion, president of Taylor Farms Retail, said in the release. “At Taylor Farms, we’re passionate about providing healthy, fresh foods to Canadian families. Congratulations to the entire team, and here’s to even more growth and collaboration with our retail partners and growers in the years ahead.”

Taylor Farms launches new salad kit campaign

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 13:32:28 GMT

Taylor Farms, producer of ready-to-eat salads, has launched a new “Get Your Salad Together” campaign that celebrates salad kits.

“There’s nothing better than seeing our fans go wild over our delicious chopped salad kits” Bryan Jaynes, Taylor Farms vice president of product and marketing, said in a news release. “When a meal has the right components that are both healthy and taste great, everyone enjoys it a bit more. And that’s what the Taylor Farms brand helps people do.”

Created in partnership with the agency Erich & Kallman, the campaign features two commercials that highlight Taylor Farms salad kits as time-saving solutions for creating meals everyone can feel good about. The 15-second “Beside Myself” and the 30-second “Everyone Clapped” ads can be viewed on the Taylor Farms YouTube channel .

Members of Erich & Kallman creative team called working on the campaign “a blast.”

Taylor Farms says the commercials will run on connected TV platforms and social media. Targeted display banners from the campaign will also run across retail media platforms, Instacart, out-of-home placements and in-store POS display programs. The company says it expects the “Get Your Salad Together” campaign will connect with millions of salad lovers across the U.S. and will generate over 1.4 billion impressions.

“We are thrilled to share this fun creative that celebrates relevant mealtime victories,” said Christina Barnard, marketing director at Taylor Farms. “Through our fully integrated campaign, we are using the Taylor Farms brand as a vehicle to elevate and grow the overall salad kit category.”

Taylor Farms, Foodiverse add Bonduelle Group's German salad operations

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 18:45:59 GMT

Bonduelle Group has sold two production plants specializing in the manufacturing of ready-to-eat salads in Germany to Taylor Farms and Foodiverse.

“By making this strategic acquisition, our goal is to enhance the fresh packaged salad sector and ensure our customers receive innovative and healthy products,” Bruce Taylor, chairman and CEO of Taylor Farms, said in a news release. “We look forward to serving customers in Germany and across Europe.”

Foodiverse, with its European business operations, will manage all activities for the unified businesses and will strengthen Foodiverse’s position in the German market, with the partnership of Taylor Farms, according to the companies.

Three German production sites in Straelen, Reutlingen and Thurland will operate under the corporate brand name Greenfresh. Foodiverse’s production plant in Thurländer Salate specializes in private-label and ready-to-eat salad production, the release said.

“The integration of these two plants into our group reinforces our commitment to growth in the healthy food sector,” said Joaquín Ballester, president of Foodiverse. “The combination of experience, top talent and our great capacity for innovation will allow us to continue to lead the fresh food sector and offer the best service to our customers throughout Europe.”

With the acquisition, Foodiverse says it will have a global workforce of 2,650 employees, nine production plants and 2,700 hectares of managed farmland.

When announcing its intent to sell in August , Bonduelle Group said it had faced a structural decline in salad consumption in France and Germany for the past 10 years, exacerbated by inflation and increased competition from private labels.

Aside from selling the salad operations in Germany, Bondulle Group also said it planned to streamline offices of Bonduelle Frais France and work with Les Crudettes to sell its packaged salad business in France.

Fresh Express to highlight global culinary trends at CPMA show

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 21:31:52 GMT

Fresh Express says it will highlight fresh flavors from around the world at this year’s Canadian Produce Marketing Association Convention and Trade Show, where it will sample its Twisted Caesar Pesto Caesar Chopped Salad Kit and the Thai ‘N’ Cashews Chopped Salad Kit and highlight three new choppped salad kits.

The company’s booth, No. 3074, will showcase bold, internationally influenced flavors that make home dining effortless and exciting, according to a news release. Fresh Express says it curated flavors that balance comforting, well-loved ingredients with fresh, unexpected twists, recognizing that consumers crave both familiarity and adventure in their meals.

Each kit delivers dynamic textures and balanced flavors, making it easy to enjoy a restaurant-quality salad at home, the company says. The new Fresh Express Chopped Salad Kits include:

• Creamy Goddess Chopped Salad Kit.
• Farmhouse Ranch Chopped Salad Kit.
• Asian Apple Salad Kit.

“Fresh Express’ position as the number one salad kit brand is built on our ability to innovate, evolve and create meaningful connections with both consumers and retailers,” Fabian Pereira, vice president of marketing and innovation at Fresh Express, said in the release. “We’re excited for the incredible opportunity to connect with key players in the industry and give them a firsthand look at what makes the Fresh Express brand so special.”

Taylor Farms named most trusted salad kit in Canada

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 16:51:37 GMT

BrandSpark has awarded Taylor Farms with its 2025 Most Trusted Award for Most Trusted Salad Kit. The Salinas, Calif.-based producer of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables said this award highlights its dedication to quality across its entire salad kit line.

“Trust is a crucial purchase driver in today’s competitive market,” Adam Bellisario, associate vice president of the BrandSpark Most Trusted Awards, said in a news release. “At a time when Canadians are more selective with their spending, trust remains an essential purchase driver. This exclusive club of brands has earned the highest levels of consumer trust by consistently delivering high value, quality and reliability to consumers.”

BrandSpark International said it surveys more than 35,200 Canadians each year, capturing more than 190,000 brand evaluations in its comprehensive BrandSpark Canadian Trust Study. In this survey, consumers openly share which brands they trust the most, the release said. Taylor Farms achieved the highest number of mentions in the salad kit category, earning it the 2025 Most Trusted Salad Kit brand award.

Philip Scrutton, vice president of shopper insights at BrandSpark, said the data from this year’s study indicates that Canadians gravitate toward established brands that clearly communicate their strengths.

“New entrants are emerging, and private labels continue to challenge the category leaders,” Scrutton said. “But consumers still gravitate to the established brands that communicate their superiority and deliver on their promises.”

Taylor Farms said this award highlights the company’s resonance with Canadian customers

“This award is a celebration of our strong relationship with our Canadian consumers,” said Kevin Silver, general manager of Taylor Farms Toronto Canada. “We’re dedicated to continuing to earn their trust by offering innovative and convenient options that make it easy to enjoy nutritious and flavorful meals.”

Fresh Express expands Chopped Salad Kits line

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 17:27:01 GMT

Fresh Express is introducing three new Chopped Salad Kits that is says bring vibrant, globally inspired flavors to fresh, convenient meals.

Arriving in stores nationwide on May 21, these chef-crafted kits reflect the growing consumer demand for bold, internationally influenced flavors that make home dining effortless and exciting, according to a news release.

Recognizing that consumers crave both familiarity and adventure in their meals, Fresh Express said it has curated flavors that balance comforting, well-loved ingredients with fresh twists. Each kit is designed to deliver dynamic textures and balanced flavors, making it easy to enjoy a restaurant-quality salad at home, the release said.

The new Fresh Express Chopped Salad Kits include:

Creamy Goddess Chopped Salad Kit — Crisp iceberg and green leaf lettuce are paired with vibrant carrots and red cabbage, creating the ideal base. Topped with queso fresco, roasted salted pumpkin seeds and freeze-dried corn, this salad is finished off with a rich and creamy cilantro cotija dressing that delivers Mexican-inspired flavors in a combination of creamy richness and bold freshness.
Farmhouse Ranch Chopped Salad Kit — This salad features a crisp blend of romaine lettuce, red cabbage and carrots, tossed with garlic brioche croutons and crispy garlic pepper onions. The cheese blend brings richness, while the farmhouse ranch dressing offers a creamy finish. It’s a salad that blends familiar comfort with bold, vibrant flavors.
Orange Sesame Chopped Salad Kit — Crisp green leaf lettuce, kale and red and green cabbage provide the perfect crunch, while toasted sesame sticks and honey-sliced almonds add texture. Finished with a fresh orange miso vinaigrette, this salad delivers a fresh combination of Asian-inspired flavors in a light, easy-to-serve salad.

“These new Chopped Salad Kits are a continuation of our commitment to bringing fresh, exciting flavors to consumers in a way that’s both convenient and inspiring,” said Fabian Pereira, vice president of marketing and innovation for Fresh Express. “We know that today’s shoppers are looking for more than just a basic salad — they want bold flavors, unique textures and global influences. These new kits make it easy to enjoy those experiences at home without any extra effort in the kitchen.”

Fresh Express said it is continuously exploring international flavors and evolving consumer preferences to create new salad experiences and that these new kits offer a taste of global cuisines while delivering ease and freshness.