What is in this article?:
- Kale Goes Mainstream
- Sidebar: Bashas' Celebrates Leafy Greens
“I’ve had so many people say, ‘Oh, I don’t like kale, I don’t like kale.’ And then they try the kale salad and they’re like, ‘Oh, can you make that again? What is that? Can you sell that packaged?’”
— Soren Huber, produce buyer
Raw kale salads have been growing in popularity with customers.
Sidebar: Bashas' Celebrates Leafy Greens
CHANDLER, Ariz. — For this year’s third annual Arizona Leafy Greens Week — a celebration of a $1 billion industry in the state — organizers invited Bashas’ as a partner for the first time.
“Since we’re the hometown grocery, we’re always looking at ways to celebrate what’s available right here in our own backyard,” said Kristy Jozwiak, Bashas’ director of communications and public affairs.
Arizona Leafy Greens Week will take place Nov. 11-17. The Chandler, Ariz.-based retailer will promote leafy greens across all of its formats, which include Bashas’, Food City and AJ’s Fine Foods, with ads and in-store signs.
The emphasis will be on the local nature of the greens and Bashas’ support for local farmers. Jozwiak said the local produce that will likely be in stores at that time would include different varieties of lettuce and bok choy.
“These leafy greens are delivered within four hours or less from Yuma and in most cases sent directly to our stores,” said Jozwiak. “So you’re really getting a fresh local product. And I think customers like to know that and respond well to local produce. Especially when it’s in season.”
Depending on the timing of the first leafy greens shipment to stores, Bashas’ hopes to have a kick-off event that might incorporate participation from Gov. Jan Brewer, who officially proclaimed the Arizona Leafy Greens Week celebration.
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