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Packaged Salads

May 19, 2021

Pre-Packaged Salad Sales Soar

Today, many shoppers can’t imagine a supermarket without the convenience of pre-packaged salads. In fact over the past 18 months, salad-kit sales have gone through the roof with families looking for quick, easy and healthy solutions for the increased number of meals at home. The surge in pre-packaged salad sales can be attributed to two factors: freshness and convenience.

More and more people are gravitating to fresher foods, seeking quick meal solutions that don’t compromise quality and flavor. Packaged salads make it simple to eat higher-quality fresh food more frequently.

And this trend won’t be slowing down anytime soon. A report from Grand View Research states that the global packaged salad market size was valued at over $10 billion in 2020 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 8.2% over at least the next seven years.

“There has been a definite increase in packaged salad sales from year to year. Not only are more consumers trending toward the category, but there are more and more choices than ever before,” said Lou Scagnelli, director of produce for Krasdale Foods. “The variety and selection of garden blends, kits, chopped blends and organic packaged salads have more than tripled over the last eight to 10 years.”

With more choices of packaged salad on the market than ever before, food companies must innovate to get a leg up on the competition.

Dole Foods recently expanded its line of ready-to-eat salad bowls in a variety of flavors and ingredients. What’s noteworthy about this launch is the fact that the new packaging gives salad lovers the option to mix their lettuce, toppings and dressings in the same bowl without spilling – providing fresh value and convenience to customers.

Having many choices at the grocery store can overwhelm the shopper, especially if the products are not displayed well. The wall of packaged salads in the cooler can be intimidating and could even turn customers away if it looks cluttered or bags are strewn about.

The best presentation is achieved when using a display system designed for packaged salads. The SpaceGrid® II pusher system from Retail Space Solutions ensures attractive, organized and front-facing displays. It’s designed to keep bagged salads and bowls fresh and easily accessible to shoppers – ultimately driving faster buying decisions.

“In the fresh prepared space, especially with value-added salads and snacks, presentation really is everything,” said Tal Shoshan, CEO of FiveStar Gourmet Foods. “Packaging is the star. It’s critical that retailers showcase their fresh offerings front and center in a way that consumers are blown away by the product.”

As you know, pre-packaged salad has a limited shelf-life and can spoil quickly without proper shelf management and effective refrigeration. SpaceGrid II is the ideal solution to minimize shrink and maximize sales for salad kits and bowls. SpaceGrid II pusher trays are equipped with unique channels that promote cool airflow under product packages, which helps prevent spoilage. SpaceGrid II makes backfilling a breeze with its efficient pull-out tray design, ensuring optimal product rotation with minimal effort by stockers.

Adding items such as chilled dressings to your pre-packaged salad displays is a great way to boost the customer shopping experience and increase sales. SpaceDriver® II keeps salad dressings in check and organized with its patented controlled-pusher movement, which automatically regulates the speed and force at which products slide forward.

For more information on the SpaceGrid II or other pusher tray solutions from Retail Space Solutions, visit www.retailspacesolutions.com or call 1-800-279-5291.