Traveling through California, consumers’ attention is captured by vibrant fields of leafy greens dotting the land from the northern region of the state to the southern tip. To learn how to take that shopper interest from the farm to the produce aisle and boost your bottom line, read what these category connoisseurs have to say…
“Leafy greens are so versatile for adding color, flavor, and nutrition to foodservice offerings. Back in the day, operators stuck with Iceberg and Romaine for salads, sandwiches, and more. Spring mix changed that, upping the ante with color and texture. The newest generation is product lines like our Tuscan Salads blends, which offer loft, amazing plate presentation, and flavorful forkability. Don’t get me wrong, Romaine and Iceberg still have a place on menus, but Tuscan Salads offer next-level leafy greens.”
“The Nunes Company markets and sells fresh leafy green vegetables, including Romaine Hearts, Romaine lettuce, red and green leaf lettuce, red chard, green chard, rainbow chard, spinach, red kale, green kale, Lacinato kale, red and green cabbage, collard greens, and Iceberg lettuce under the Foxy® and Foxy Organic® brands. Their versatility and availability, along with their nutritional value, make leafy greens an ideal year-round vegetable. Leafy greens can complement any season; a summer favorite includes a classic wedge salad with Foxy Iceberg lettuce. Leafy greens provide several health benefits and, with their versatility, is a category that continues to gain popularity among consumers.”
“From garnish to game-changer, our living Watercress is a powerful little leaf that packs a mighty nutritional punch. In fact, with so many nutrients packed into such a tiny little package, it’s no wonder that we call our cress Wondercress. This little powerhouse of a leaf is very easy to prepare or add to recipes. Consumers can simply throw them in a smoothie, their favorite salad, or even on top of a pizza for a bold, peppery, nutritious kick.”
“Leafy greens are a mainstay for any retailer or foodservice customer, whether it be Romaine/mix lettuces, spinach, arugula, or even kale. These items are not only nutrient-rich but also incredibly versatile in their applications, whether used in juicing, wraps, salads, or back-to-basic sandwich toppings. Having grown up in the Salinas Valley, it is amazing to see the innovative varieties and products brought to the forefront. This category continues to expand in surprising ways! It truly has developed into a diverse market segment with all sorts of consumer uses and applications. Here at Ippolito International, with our broad commodity and value-added product line, we are a one-stop shop for your leafy green needs.”
“As we come into the warmer weather, focus naturally turns to lighter fare, and produce has an opportunity to shine—specifically in salads and leafy greens. A key factor in spotlighting these products is to offer unique takes that encourage broadening the experience, not just a typical garden salad or Caesar. Add the unexpected, like warm salads, toppings like grains or grilled fruit, or spices and herb combinations. Display these ingredients and recipe point-of-sale materials nearby for impulse buys from adventurous shoppers.” 
