Dole Expands Organic Salad Line

Dole will offer organic versions of its most popular baby lettuce salad mixes as well as all-new organic salad kits with restaurant-inspired ingredients that deliver the same taste, convenience, variety and appetite appeal of its conventional salad line.

The expanded Dole Organic Salad line consists of six organic salad mixes and two new restaurant-quality organic salad kits in re-sealable clamshell packaging. Unveiled in time for the holidays, the two Dole Organic Salad Kits—Dole’s first-ever organic salad kits—will be joined by additional organic salad kits in early in 2017

“Our expanded Dole Organic Salad line offers organic enthusiasts what traditional salad consumers have enjoyed for years: restaurant-quality, organic salads that taste great and complement an organic lifestyle,” says CarrieAnn Arias, vice president of marketing for Dole Fresh Vegetables. “The six nutrient-dense organic baby lettuce mixes deliver a wide variety of flavor experiences and preparation options. And, thanks to our two new organic salad kits, shoppers can now enjoy a fresh, flavorful, organic salad, including baby lettuces, signature dressings and toppings, in a preferred clamshell package for the first time.”

A total of 11 Dole Organic Salad Mixes and Kits, including three in a 16-ounce size ideal for larger families and special occasions will reach retailers nationwide by early November. Suggested retail prices are $3.89-5.99 for the mixes and $5.39 for the kits.

Dole's Organic Baby Spinach Salad Mix (5-ounce and 16-ounce) offers an organic version of Dole’s baby spinach lettuces for a complex, robust and tender flavor profile. Dole's Organic Spring Mix (5-ounce and 16-ounce) is an organic take on Dole’s popular blend of baby lettuces and baby greens that delivers a similar complex, robust and tender flavor payoff.

Dole's Organic 50/50 Salad Mix (5-ounce and 16-ounce) features an inspired combination of Dole Organic Baby Spinach and Dole Organic Spring Mix. Dole's Organic Super Spinach Salad Mix (5-ounce) takes the organic Baby Spinach mix to the next level by adding organic baby kale, baby chard and mizuna for a zesty and bold flavor experience. Dole's Organic Kale Salad Mix (5-ounce) combines organic baby kale, baby spinach, red and green chard to provide a complex, robust and tender flavor. Dole's Organic Baby Spinach and Arugula Salad Mix (5-ounce) is a blend of organic baby spinach and arugula that results in a zesty and bold flavor.

Dole's Organic Apple Dijon Salad Kit (8.25-ounce) combines DOLE Organic Spring Mix, dried cranberries, walnut pieces, and shredded cheddar cheese with Dole’s Signature Apple Dijon Vinaigrette Dressing for a restaurant-quality, organic salad experience. Dole's Organic Caesar Salad Kit (8.25-ounce) adds a restaurant-quality, organic salad option to Dole’s popular Caesar salad lineup with organic baby Romaine, Parmesan pita chips, shaved Parmesan cheese and Dole’s Signature Caesar Dressing.

Arias says the expanded line supports the continued transformation of organic from a product trend to a consumer lifestyle—and is a boon for retailers. According to the Organic Consumers Association (OCA), close to two-thirds of Americans already buy organic and four in 10 say that organic will be an even bigger part of their diet during the next year. As a result, U.S. organic sales posted a new record of $43.3 billion in 2015, up 11 percent over 2014 and more than triple the growth rate for all food (Organic Trade Association).

“There’s never been a better time for Dole’s expanded organic salad line,” Arias says. “We know that organic shoppers spend the most per shopping occasion and close to half will pay a premium for an organic salad. A full third of shoppers say that additional organic salad products will influence them to purchase more salads and, having more salad options helps consumers to live a healthier and happier life.”

Arias says the Dole Organic Salad line fills an unmet need in the marketplace. “There aren’t any options available for organic consumers wanting a delicious, quick and easy, organic salad mix or kit in a convenient package. Add the DOLE commitment to freshness, quality and variety, and the result is something truly unique for organic salad lovers.”

The two initial salad kit flavor varieties were selected on the basis of consumer research, and are preludes to additional Dole Organic Salad Kits coming early in 2017. At the request of a Dole organic consumer panel, the new Caesar kit is the industry’s first to feature baby Romaine instead of cut romaine, while Apple Dijon was created to offer a sweet pairing option with holiday favorites and beyond.

Arias says another key attribute of the line is the resealable clamshell packaging, considered by organic consumers to be the ‘gold standard’ of organic salad packaging. “Both salad users and retailers see clamshells as a more convenient and preferred packaging format for organic salad mixes and kits.”

Dole Organic Salad Mixes and Kits were created for the full spectrum of organic lunch and dinner possibilities—from a salad base, sandwich topping or meal garnish to a main dish or entrée with the addition of protein. Shoppers can find the new line in the organic salad section.