Today’s consumer is more curious than ever. In a world where personal narratives take shape in countless ways, few things hold as much power to build both our inner lives and outward identities as the food we choose. Every meal is an opportunity to express values, embrace new experiences, and connect with cultures beyond our own. Nowhere is this more evident than in the rapidly evolving produce aisle, where bold flavors and global inspirations are redefining what it means to eat well.
Fresh Express is at the forefront of this evolution. As a value-added leader, the company is transforming the produce department into a destination for shoppers seeking inspiration and new tastes. By working closely with retailers, Fresh Express unlocks greater possibilities—both in the produce department and at the register. Just ask Fabian Pereira, Vice President of Marketing and Innovation, International.
Jordan Okumura-Wright: Fabian, Fresh Express has consistently launched products that respond to what the consumer desires, but also steer that demand. Can you share with me one new product line that is providing an exclusive solution for retailers in this way for 2026? 
Fabian Pereira, Vice President of Marketing and Innovation, International, Fresh Express: Fresh Express has introduced four new globally inspired Chopped Salad Kits, which launched March 16, 2026. These flavor profiles consist of Creamy Mushroom Caesar, Tropical Mango Crunch, Zesty Hawaiian Crunch, and Italian Herb & Parmesan.
These kits bring menu-inspired flavors and culinary creativity into the produce aisle while maintaining the convenience and freshness shoppers expect from Fresh Express.
For retail partners, this represents high-impact innovation in one of the strongest-performing segments of the produce industry. The chopped salad kit category continues to drive growth through convenience and meal solutions, and Fresh Express is focused on delivering trend-forward flavors that encourage both trial and repeat purchase.
At a $3.99 price point, these kits offer a premium yet accessible experience, helping retailers capture consumers looking for affordable ways to elevate everyday meals while driving category engagement.
FP: Consumers want convenience, but they also want flavor and discovery. Millennials and Gen X in particular value bold taste, plant-forward meals, and quick prep.
Our new kits were inspired by global menu trends and emerging culinary influences, identified through our Fresh Express Innovation Center. There, we continuously track consumer preferences, culinary trends, and category performance to develop concepts that are validated with shoppers before they reach retail shelves.
FP: Chopped salad kits are among the most productive segments in produce, delivering strong velocity and consistent repeat purchases. These new globally inspired kits are designed to drive incremental category engagement by introducing new flavors that encourage shoppers to explore the aisle more frequently.
They also function as versatile meal solutions, pairing easily with proteins and other fresh ingredients, which helps expand the total basket.
By combining trend-forward flavors with a strong price-value proposition, Fresh Express is helping retailers increase category traffic, support premium trade-up opportunities, and drive overall basket growth.
FP: This launch is supported by a fully integrated marketing campaign, including national press outreach, influencer partnerships, digital media, and broadcast exposure designed to drive consumer awareness and store traffic.
From a packaging perspective, Fresh Express uses our patented Keep-Crisp® breathable bag to maintain optimal freshness. This technology helps extend shelf-life, protect product quality, and reduce shrink at retail. Combined with strong brand recognition and consumer trust, these elements help retailers execute the program with confidence and differentiate within the produce aisle.
"...Fresh Express is helping retailers increase category traffic, support premium trade-up opportunities, and drive overall basket growth."
Fabian Pereira, Vice President of Marketing and Innovation, International, Fresh Express
FP: Food safety and product quality are foundational to everything we do. Fresh Express operates five manufacturing facilities across the United States, providing scale, operational consistency, and reliable supply continuity for our retail partners.
From seed to shelf, we maintain a strict cold chain and rigorous quality standards to ensure freshness and safety at every stage of production. Our innovation process is equally disciplined, combining culinary creativity with extensive consumer validation to ensure retailers receive products that deliver both quality and dependable performance.
FP: Value-added salads sit at the intersection of convenience, health, and flavor exploration, all trends that aren’t slowing down.
Fresh Express remains deeply invested in growing the category through ongoing product innovation, national marketing support, and experiential consumer engagement throughout 2026.
For retail partners, that means working with a brand that combines strong shopper loyalty, category leadership, and a robust innovation pipeline designed to drive sustained growth beyond seasonal spikes.
Today’s leading vendor partners offer far more than products that simply satisfy consumer demand. They deliver thought leadership, merchandising expertise, and strategic growth opportunities that help retailers thrive in a dynamic marketplace. Fresh Express exemplifies this approach, providing not only innovative products but also the support and vision needed for long-term success. As a consumer, I appreciate brands that bring intention and flavor to every offering—and Fresh Express delivers on both. 
