6 Easy Pieces of Produce

As consumers increasingly return to the healthier eating habits they followed pre-pandemic, many are looking for easy ways to add more produce to their diets. The consumer’s desire for health and convenience drove sales of salads and leafy greens to record highs, notes IRI, which found for the 52 weeks ending July 11, 2021, dollar sales of salad kits were up 15.3% year over year and nearly 40% compared with the same time period three years ago. And cruciferous vegetables, such as cauliflower and broccoli (sales up 23.1% versus three years ago), have gained popularity, adds IRI. Sales of organic produce are also strong. Total organic fresh produce sales for the third quarter of 2021 saw a continuation of year-over-year growth, increasing by 3% from the same period last year and nearing $2.3 billion for the quarter, according to the Q3 2021 Organic Produce Performance Report by Organic Produce Network and Category Partners. From microwavable cut veggies and stir-fry kits to organic tomatoes, these six products make serving produce a piece of cake.

Ocean Mist Farms has expanded its line of microwavable fresh-cut vegetables with five new product offerings. Broccoli Florets, Floret Medley, Vegetable Medley, Cauliflower Florets, and Cauliflower Rice will join Season & Steam’s five existing resealable vegetable packs. Each Season & Steam vegetable medley comes with customizable seasonings and can be made in minutes.

Pure Flavor has added two new fresh products to its line of sustainable greenhouse-grown organic produce, including Organic Luna Sweets Cocktail Tomatoes and Organic Roma Tomatoes. Organic Luna Sweets Cocktail Tomatoes are a firm, medium-sized variety that are suited for baking, stuffing and slicing, while

Organic Roma Tomatoes work well in homemade pasta sauce, salsa, tomato soup and more.

F&S Produce Co., Green Giant introduces Fresh Stir-Fry Kits—pre-washed, pre-cut bagged fresh veggies for consumers who want a fast-fixing meal option to put on the table. Green Giant Fresh Stir-Fry Kits come in five flavors: Teriyaki, Korean Kimchi, Chinese Black Pepper, Coconut Lime, and Scallion Ginger. All 14-ounce kits include a veggie mix of bok choy, cabbage, broccoli, baby corn, carrots, snow peas and green onions. The product’s shelf life is 14 days.

Organic Valley and Del Monte Foods have partnered to offer organic canned tomatoes. The new relationship expands produce options for consumers with USDA Certified Organic Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce and Tomato Paste. Each Organic Valley organic tomato product is sourced from vine-ripened California tomatoes grown without synthetic pesticides or chemical fertilizers in compliance with the USDA National Organic Program.

NatureSweet has launched its new Constellation Fall Medley packs in both 10- and 24-ounce packages. The Fall Medley packs offer a bright mix of Glorys (sweet and tangy orange cherry tomatoes) and Twilights (chocolate flavor-rich tomatoes).

Braga Fresh has launched Josie’s Organics Organic Baby Iceberg Lettuce. The hand-sized heads of lettuce are available in 2-count retails bags. The specialty size is harvested weeks earlier than traditional iceberg heads.