Orlando, Florida-based Fresh Express has announced three new offerings in its line of chopped salad kits, Twisted Caesar Lemon Caesar, Twisted Caesar Pesto Caesar and Mexican Style, and its new blend, Butter Supreme.
Trends like convenience, plant-based nutrition and restaurant-inspired international flavors are driving food innovations, and chopped salads kits are well positioned to drive growth for the value-added salad category, according to the company. Chopped kits represent 18 percent dollar share of the total VAS category.
“At Fresh Express, innovation is at the heart of everything we do – from seed selection to packaging technology to culinary development,” said Fabian Pereira, VP of marketing and innovation.
“Whether consumers are looking for a quick and flavorful meal with our chopped kits or curating their favorite salad creation with one of our salad blends, we have more than 100 fresh and affordable salad varieties for every meal occasion.”
A recent study conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Fresh Express found that 78 percent think the ultimate salad should be chopped and 51 percent think it should be loaded with toppings.
Lemon Caesar and Pesto Caesar are the latest additions to the Fresh Express Twisted Caesar Chopped Salad Kits line, which combine the popular Caesar salad with an unexpected flavor twist.
According to a consumer survey, more than 80 percent of consumers love Mexican food and the cuisine appears on 23 percent of U.S. restaurant menus. These insights, along with others, inspired the new Fresh Express Mexican Style Chopped Salad Kit.
For consumers who prefer to create a salad using their favorite lettuce, toppings and dressing (40 percent of survey respondents), Fresh Express Butter Supreme features a blend of green butter lettuce, red butter lettuce, radicchio and baby chard.
Fresh Express also released the final video in its food safety and quality series: Innovation Never Rests. The video explores Fresh Express’ technologies that led to the creation of the packaged salad category, including the Keep Crisp breathable bag, and spotlights the brand’s culinary innovation center.
These products are available in the refrigerated produce department at retailers nationwide, including Albertsons, Aldi, Food Lion, Giant Eagle and Walmart.
For more information about Fresh Express, including products and recipes, visit freshexpress.com.
