Consumers are looking for convenient solutions in the kitchen, and fresh produce providers are here to make their lives easier. The value-added set now contains more flavors than ever, with pre-cut and washed fruit and veg featuring spices, sauces, and toppings to elevate the eating experience. Plus, with the health-forward benefits fresh produce provides, these convenient offerings elevate the plate in more ways than one. Hear from the experts who bring these products to market…
Steve Ware, “At Naturipe Farms, our Ready to Eat line is carefully crafted to showcase our farmers’ fresh fruit paired with innovative snacking solutions. Berries are the top-performing fruit segment, and we’re elevating them even further with delicious snack options that are long-lasting (thanks to our special patented washing process). From fluffy mini pancakes with real maple syrup and blueberries to balanced and wholesome snack packs with cheese, nuts, granola, and fresh fruit, every product is designed to delight consumers while boosting sales for retailers.”
Christina Barnard, “Innovation in the value-added salad category is crucial for meeting changing consumer demands and driving category growth. Shoppers love seasonal flavors and unique varieties. The seasonal Taylor Farms Spiced Apple Chopped Salad Kit is perfect for both fall and the holidays. It celebrates the flavors of the season by combining cabbage, romaine, shredded broccoli, and green onion with crunchy honey-roasted chips, cinnamon-puffed apples, and smoked Gouda cheese. Similarly, Earthbound Farm Wild Red Arugula brings bold flavor and visual appeal. This striking red-hued leaf adds a peppery kick and vibrant color to salads, flatbreads, and fresh garnishes. Together, these innovations keep our brands fresh, relevant, and well-positioned for continued growth.”
Jeff Hutterer,“Our value-added program launched in 2003 with bagged spinach, introduced in response to evolving consumer demand for convenient, nutritious, and delicious meal solutions requiring little-to-no prep. Recognizing that consumer trends drive retail demand, we steadily expanded our offerings over the years. Today, our value-added lineup includes broccoli and cauliflower florets, medleys, slaws, Brussels sprouts, and even artichokes. Our latest innovation—Roastables Ready-to-Roast kits—is an exciting new line now seven items strong, each with its own unique flavor packet. By complementing our core commodity line, these innovations have broadened our market reach, strengthened retail partnerships, and delivered added convenience to our valued customers.”
Kathleen Triou,“At Fresh Solutions Network, our value-added Side Delights® offerings—including A Cut Above® fresh-cut potatoes, Steamables® 1.5 lb microwaveable potatoes, and Bakeables® single-serve Russets—are designed to deliver both retailer and consumer advantages. For retailers, these products drive incremental sales, enhance fresh potato assortment while offering exciting options for merchandising and promotion, and capture shoppers seeking convenience and quality. For consumers, they provide fresh, nutritious potatoes in easy-to-prepare formats that fit today’s busy lifestyles. By combining innovation, premium packaging, and consistent supply, we help our retail partners differentiate in the fresh potato category while giving shoppers simple, delicious solutions for every meal.” 
